TN SB0750: A New Chapter in Tennessee's Immigration Enforcement
Tennessee has taken a significant step in its approach to immigration enforcement with the passage of SB0750, a bill that mandates the centralized immigration enforcement division within the Department of Safety to report on illegal alien criminal activity to the state's legislative bodies. This legislation, which amends multiple titles of the Tennessee Code Annotated, has sparked considerable debate due to its potential implications on immigrant communities and the state's legal framework.
The Legislative Journey of SB0750
The bill's journey began on February 4, 2025, when it was filed for introduction. Sponsored by a group of Republican legislators, including Senator Ken Yager, who boasts a high effectiveness score of 55.0, SB0750 quickly moved through the initial stages of the legislative process. By February 10, it had passed its first consideration and was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, a body with a power score of 65.0, indicating its significant influence over the bill's fate.
The Judiciary Committee's deliberations were marked by several deferrals, reflecting the contentious nature of the bill. However, on April 1, the committee recommended the bill for passage with amendments, by a vote of 5 to 2. This recommendation set the stage for the bill's consideration by the Senate Calendar Committee, which has a near-perfect power score of 100.0, underscoring its pivotal role in determining which bills reach the Senate floor.
After adopting an amendment on April 9, the Senate passed SB0750 by a vote of 26 to 5. The bill then moved to the House, where it faced a more divided vote, passing 75 to 20. Notably, the bill did not receive bipartisan support, with all opposition votes coming from Democratic members.
The Impact and Controversy
LegiEquity's analysis highlights the bill's high bias impact, particularly concerning race (90% bias) and religion (70% bias). This suggests that SB0750 could disproportionately affect certain demographic groups, raising concerns about fairness and equity in its implementation.
The bill's sponsors, including Senators Yager, Watson, Stevens, Bowling, and Rose, have been instrumental in its passage, leveraging their high success scores and legislative experience. Their effectiveness in navigating the bill through the legislative process underscores the importance of sponsor influence in achieving policy goals.
Looking Ahead
With the governor's signature on May 2, 2025, SB0750 is now law. Its implementation will be closely watched, as it represents a significant shift in Tennessee's approach to immigration enforcement. The bill's focus on reporting illegal alien criminal activity could have far-reaching implications for community relations and law enforcement practices in the state.
As Tennessee embarks on this new legislative path, the debate over SB0750 serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between law, policy, and the lives of those they affect. The story of SB0750 is far from over, and its real-world impact will unfold in the months and years to come.
LegiEquity analyzes proposed legislation to determine its potential impact on various demographic groups. Our goal is to provide objective insights into how laws may affect different communities.
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