Bill > HB1639

This bill establishes a new Office of Homeland Security within the Department of Safety, which will be led by a commissioner-appointed head and employ commissioned agents and other personnel. This office will be responsible for directing the state's homeland security activities, including planning, coordination, and implementation of prevention, protection, and response operations related to terrorist threats and attacks. It will also develop strategies to secure the state from terrorism, collaborate with federal, state, and local government agencies, and private sector entities, and provide technical and investigative support to law enforcement agencies upon request. The office is empowered to conduct investigations into terrorism threats, attacks on schools, critical infrastructure, public safety, public officials, and cyber-related incidents, as well as protect public officials, locations, and events. Furthermore, it will administer authorized funds, coordinate school security policies, assist in securing election infrastructure, and operate a statewide information and intelligence center to prevent, detect, and control crime. The bill also clarifies that homeland security agents are not limited to investigating only the crimes mentioned and that other law enforcement agencies can investigate crimes within the scope of this new office. Importantly, the bill amends existing law to grant commissioned homeland security officers the powers of peace officers throughout the state, allowing them to make arrests, serve process in criminal prosecutions, and carry weapons while performing their duties, provided they complete equivalent training to other peace officers and carry proper identification.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1639&ga=114