Bill > HB1639

This bill establishes the Office of Homeland Security within the Department of Safety, which will be headed by a commissioner-appointed chief. This new office is empowered to direct the state's homeland security efforts, including planning and coordinating prevention, protection, and response operations against terrorist threats and attacks, and to develop a comprehensive strategy to secure the state. It can also assist federal, local, and other state agencies, as well as private entities, on homeland security matters. The office is authorized to provide technical and investigative support to law enforcement agencies upon request, and to conduct its own investigations if there is reasonable suspicion of violations related to terrorism, threats to schools or critical infrastructure, attacks on public officials, or cybercrimes, which include unauthorized access to computer systems, disruption of critical infrastructure, cyber-enabled fraud, ransomware, theft, and online threats intended to facilitate criminal offenses. The bill also clarifies that cyber misinformation or disinformation campaigns are not grounds for investigation unless they are part of a criminal violation. Furthermore, homeland security agents will have peace officer powers, including the ability to make arrests and carry weapons, provided they complete equivalent training to the Tennessee peace officer standards and training commission, and must carry identification while on duty. The office can also administer authorized funds, coordinate school security policies, review school security plans, and assist the Secretary of State's office in securing election infrastructure. Finally, it can cooperate and exchange information with other law enforcement entities through a statewide intelligence center to prevent and control crime.