Tennessee Senate Bill SB2802

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/24
• Failed: 3/26/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 40, relative to transportation of illegal aliens.

Impact

If enacted, SB2802 would significantly alter the legal landscape concerning the transportation of undocumented individuals in Tennessee. The bill imposes strict penalties for instances of illegal transportation, thereby aiming to deter individuals and entities from engaging in such practices. The revenue generated from fines would be allocated to the arresting agencies, which might incentivize law enforcement to actively pursue these cases. This change in law would likely influence both personal conduct and broader operational decisions of organizations involved in transportation.

Summary

Senate Bill 2802 aims to amend the Tennessee Code regarding the transportation of individuals who are illegally present in the United States. The bill specifically criminalizes the act of knowingly or recklessly transporting such individuals into the state of Tennessee. It establishes that those who commit this offense would face a Class A misdemeanor, with penalties including a fine of $5,000 for each person transported illegally. Notably, the bill allows for a defense if transportation is conducted for religious purposes and exempts common carriers from this law.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB2802 have revealed notable points of contention among legislators and community advocates. Supporters argue that the bill provides necessary legal measures to combat human trafficking and to deter illegal immigration. Opponents, however, view the bill as a punitive measure that could contribute to discrimination and fear among immigrant communities. This tension reflects broader national debates on immigration policy and local versus federal authority in managing immigration enforcement.

Voting_history

The bill faced opposition in the Senate Judiciary Committee, where it ultimately failed with a vote of 4 yeas to 5 nays. This outcome indicates significant resistance to the provisions laid out in SB2802, highlighting the contentious nature of legislation aimed at regulating immigration-related issues at the state level.