Immigration

HB 6001 (proposed Tennessee legislation) creates a new "centralized immigration enforcement division" within the Department of Safety, led by a governor-appointed chief officer. It establishes criminal penalties (Class E felony) for local officials who adopt sanctuary policies, requiring their removal from office upon conviction. The bill also mandates temporary driver licenses for lawful permanent residents (instead of standard licenses) to help verify voter eligibility, and creates a grant program to fund local law enforcement collaboration with federal immigration authorities under the 287(g) program. These provisions directly affect state/local officials, immigrant residents, and law enforcement agencies in Tennessee.

SB 6002 creates a centralized immigration enforcement division within Tennessee's Department of Safety, led by a governor-appointed chief immigration enforcement officer (CIEO). The bill establishes a grant program to fund local law enforcement participation in federal immigration enforcement (like the 287(g) program) and imposes criminal penalties (Class E felony) on local officials who adopt sanctuary policies, requiring their removal from office upon conviction. It also mandates that lawful permanent residents receive temporary driver licenses instead of standard licenses to help verify voter eligibility. These changes directly affect local government officials, law enforcement agencies, and immigrants holding lawful permanent residency in Tennessee.