Bill > SB1880

This bill establishes the Office of Homeland Security within the Department of Safety, empowering it to direct the state's homeland security activities, including planning, coordination, and response to threats and attacks. The office will develop a comprehensive strategy to secure the state from terrorism, assist federal, local, and other state agencies, and provide technical and investigative support to law enforcement. It is authorized to investigate threats of terrorism, attacks on schools or critical infrastructure, threats to public officials, cybercrimes, and cyber-enabled offenses, with specific provisions clarifying that cyber misinformation or disinformation campaigns are not grounds for investigation unless they further criminal activity. The bill also grants commissioned homeland security agents the powers of peace officers, allowing them to make arrests, carry weapons, and serve process, provided they meet training requirements equivalent to the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.