TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Jan 31, 2025

The state House passed the governor’s immigration enforcement proposals yesterday after the state Senate did so on Wednesday, the Tennessean reports. The legislation (SB6002/HB6001) funds a $5 million office within the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, allowing Gov. Bill Lee to tap an enforcement director and incentivize local law enforcement entities to enter into a contract program with federal immigration authorities. The bill also establishes a new driver's license that distinguishes U.S. citizens from legal permanent residents. In addition, the bill establishes criminal penalties for local and state officials who adopt “sanctuary” policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement officials. WKRN has more on that proposal. Lee actively supported the measure and is expected to sign it into law. He released a statement late yesterday afternoon marking the end of the special session. One group already has indicated an intent to sue over the law; the ACLU of Tennessee is calling the criminal penalty provision “unconstitutional” and promising to challenge the law.