Criminal Offenses - As enacted, directs the Tennessee advisory commission on intergovernmental relations to study the status of the crime stoppers programs across the state and make recommendations to enhance such progra, the official text

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                              PUBLIC CHAPTER NO. 967

                                                    SENATE BILL NO. 1492

                                                     By Massey, Campbell

                                            Substituted for: House Bill No. 1924

                                             By Garringer, Clemmons, Pearson

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 38; Title 39 and Title 40, relative to crime
          stoppers programs.

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

          SECTION 1. The Tennessee advisory commission on intergovernmental relations (TACIR)
shall study the status of the crime stoppers programs across the state and make recommendations
to enhance such programs. The assessment must include, but not be limited to:

                    (1) Assessment of the data collection and reporting capabilities of each crime
          stoppers program, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the data and reporting;

                    (2) Assessment of the funding streams and stability of the funding available, while
          assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the crime stoppers programs to fundraise; and

                    (3) Assessment of the partnership between each crime stoppers organization, the law
          enforcement agencies in the community, and the community at large.

          SECTION 2. TACIR shall make recommendations of methods to improve outcomes for crime
stoppers programs, including:

                    (1) Increased statewide coordination, accountability, and program capacity;

                    (2) Greater public engagement and higher tip volume;

                    (3) Enhanced effectiveness and cost efficiency in law enforcement efforts;

                    (4) Stronger trust and collaboration between communities, and law enforcement;

                    (5) Consistent program standards and best practices across the state; and

                    (6) Establishing a statewide framework for support and accountability for crime
          stoppers programs.

          SECTION 3. TACIR may request information and input from other appropriate state and local
governmental entities, as necessary, and such entities shall comply with TACIR's request. The study
must be conducted from TACIR's existing resources.

          SECTION 4. Upon completion of the study required by Sections 1 and 2, TACIR shall report
its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the chair of the judiciary
committee of the senate and the chair of the committee of the house of representatives having
jurisdiction over subject matters pertaining to criminal justice, and provide a copy of the report to the
legislative librarian. The report may be delivered electronically.

          SECTION 5. This act takes effect July 1, 2026, the public welfare requiring it.
         SENATE BILL NO. 1492

PASSED:  April 20, 2026

                         SPEAKER OF                 cNALLY
                                                    SENATE

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                                 CAMERON SEXTON, SPEAKER
                                HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

APPROVED this )3t:P,. day of ~                2026

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                          BILL LEE, GOVERNOR