Tennessee House Bill HB1941

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/26
• Refer: 2/4/26
• Failed: 3/17/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 10; Title 4, Chapter 4; Title 8; Title 9; Title 38 and Title 39, relative to state funding for immigration and customs enforcement activities.

Impact

If enacted, HB1941 would position Tennessee as a state that limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. This legislation would alter how state resources are allocated concerning immigration issues, insisting that no state assistance be available for federal immigration operations. This may lead to significant changes in how law enforcement agencies approach community policing involving undocumented immigrants, potentially reducing the likelihood of criminal investigations linked to immigration status.

Summary

House Bill 1941 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to state funding for immigration and customs enforcement activities. The bill explicitly prohibits the use of state funds, personnel, and other resources to support activities conducted by the United States immigration and customs enforcement within the state. This includes a broad range of activities from criminal investigations to the enforcement of immigration laws, effectively nullifying the state's involvement in enforcing federal immigration policies.

Contention

The proposed legislation is likely to spark debates regarding public safety, community trust in law enforcement, and the responsibilities of state versus federal governance. Proponents of HB1941 might argue that limiting state support for immigration enforcement fosters a more inclusive environment for immigrants, enhancing community safety and trust in local law enforcement. Conversely, critics could contend that the bill undermines the rule of law and may protect individuals who are violating immigration laws from being held accountable.