Tennessee legislators pass GOP bill creating privacy protections for law enforcement officers, including immigration enforcement
Publish Date: 2026-03-27 20:39:00
Source Domain: www.wsmv.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Tennessee General Assembly has passed legislation that would protect the privacy of law enforcement officers who are in high-risk and undercover operations.
House Bill 2506 requires state and local government entities to maintain the confidentiality of certain personal information of law enforcement officers. The legislation would apply to those engaged in limited or undercover circumstances, specifically including immigration enforcement operations.
House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, who sponsored the bill, said it’s about “protecting the men and women on the front lines of law enforcement.”
“We cannot allow sensitive operational details or personal information to be weaponized against those enforcing the law,” he said.
The House Republican Caucus said that under current state law, there is no “consistent, statewide standard to safeguard sensitive information” across governments. This legislation would create criminal penalties for any state or local official who releases protected information. That penalty would be a Class E felony and would also be grounds for removal from office, they said.
It would also establish misdemeanor and felony offenses for those required to maintain confidential records and negligently or intentionally disclose that information.
“Those who take an oath to serve and protect our communities should never have to fear their personal information being weaponized against them or their families,” said State Rep. Dan Howell, R-Cleveland, who co-sponsored the bill. “In today’s environment, where threats and harassment against law enforcement are on the rise, this legislation sends a clear message: if you put our officers at risk, there will be consequences.”
The bill now awaits signature from Gov. Bill Lee.
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