Bill > HB2204

This bill mandates that the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR), a state agency that studies issues between different levels of government, conduct a comprehensive study on the salaries and benefits of both state and local law enforcement officers across Tennessee. The study will specifically examine how current compensation affects the recruitment, staffing, and retention of officers, with a particular focus on smaller city and county departments, and will also analyze the impact of state salary increases on local law enforcement recruitment and retention. TACIR is required to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the governor and legislative leaders by January 31, 2027, and is authorized to request information from other government entities to complete the study using existing resources. The bill also defines "local law enforcement officer" and "state law enforcement officer" for the purposes of the act, and includes a provision allowing the commissioner of safety to create a "hazardous duty designation" for highway patrol members, which could lead to additional compensation.