Bill > SB1880

This bill establishes a new Office of Homeland Security within the Department of Safety, which will be headed by a commissioner-appointed leader and staffed by commissioned agents and other personnel. This office will be responsible for directing the state's homeland security activities, including planning, coordinating, and implementing strategies to prevent, protect against, and respond to terrorist threats and attacks. It will also work with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as private entities, on homeland security matters, and can provide technical and investigative support to law enforcement agencies. The office is authorized to conduct investigations into various threats, including terrorism, attacks on critical infrastructure, public safety, public officials, and cyber-attacks, and can also assist with securing election infrastructure. Furthermore, the bill amends existing law to grant commissioned homeland security officers the powers of peace officers, allowing them to make arrests, serve process, and carry weapons while performing their duties, provided they complete equivalent training to other peace officers in Tennessee.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1880&ga=114