Local Government, General - As enacted, prohibits local governmental entities from relocating homeless individuals unless the relocation meets certain criteria; authorizes the receiving jurisdiction to seek damages and i, the official text

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                             PUBLIC CHAPTER NO. 832

                                                    SENATE BILL NO. 1788

                                                  By Reeves, Lowe, Bowling

                                            Substituted for: House Bill No. 1671

                                         By Rudd, Parkinson, Crawford, Reneau

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7 and Title 71, Chapter 5,
          relative to the relocation of homeless persons.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:

          SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7, Chapter 51, is amended by adding the
following as a new part:

          7-51-2801.

                    (a) A local governmental entity shall not relocate a homeless individual to another
          jurisdiction unless:

                              (1) The local governmental entity receives written consent for such relocation
                    from the receiving jurisdiction; and

                              (2) The relocation is made through a program established by the local
                    governmental entity for the purpose of reuniting homeless individuals with their place
                    of origin when proof of substantial ties to the place of origin exists.

                    (b) This section does not apply to a local law enforcement agency.

          7-51-2802.

                    (a) A local governmental entity shall not use public funds to relocate homeless
          individuals to other jurisdictions unless:

                              (1) The local governmental entity verifies that housing and other necessary
                    services are available for the homeless individuals in the receiving jurisdiction; or

                              (2) The relocation is made through a program established by the local
                    governmental entity for the purpose of reuniting homeless individuals with their place
                    of origin when proof of substantial ties to the place of origin exists.

                    (b) This section does not apply to a local law enforcement agency.

          7-51-2803.

                    A jurisdiction that is affected by a violation of§ 7-51-2801 or§ 7-51-2802 may seek
          damages and injunctive relief against the local governmental entity.

          SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.
         SENATE BILL NO. 1788

PASSED:  April 9, 2026 •

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                                                RANDY McN~LY
                                   SPEAKER OF THE SEtfA TE

                          CAMEROl'rSEXTON,SPEAKER
                          HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

&:if APPROVED this Gl,?EI- day of       2026

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                    BILL LEE, GOVERNOR