Jails, Local Lock-ups - As enacted, authorizes the Tennessee corrections institute to establish certification requirements for corrections officers and to inspect and certify local correctional training academies; makes , the official text

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                              PUBLIC CHAPTER NO. 609

                                                    SENATE BILL NO. 1589

                                                        By Haile, Roberts

                                           Substituted for: House Bill No. 1502

                                                          By Lamberth

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 38; Title 39 and Title 41, relative to the
         Tennessee corrections institute.

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

         SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 41-4-140(a), is amended by adding the
following new subdivisions:

                   (6) Establish certification requirements for corrections officers; and

                   (7) Inspect and certify local correctional training academies associated with local jails,
          lock-ups, and workhouses.

          SECTION 2. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 41-4-140, is amended by deleting
subsection (d) and substituting:

                   (d)(1) A local currently certified facility must not be decertified if the local government
                   has submitted a plan of action within ninety (90) days of the initial annual inspection
                   that is reasonably expected to eliminate fixed ratio deficiencies, staffing emergencies,
                   capital projects, or deficiencies that do not impact the life or safety of the inmates or
                   employees in that facility and cause that facility to remain certified. A plan of action
                   must not:

                                       (A) Exceed five (5) consecutive years without unanimous approval
                             from the board of control;

                                       (B) Exceed twelve (12) months if the board of control determines that
                             reasonable efforts by the local government could have resolved the
                             deficiency; and

                                       (C) Be approved for deficiencies that directly impact the safety and
                             security of the facility or public welfare.

                              (2) The board of control may direct the executive director to consult with
                    necessary state agencies to ensure the safety and security of the facility prior to
                    approving an extension exceeding five (5) years.

          SECTION 3. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 41-7-106, is amended by adding the
following new subsections:

                    U) The board is authorized to establish uniform standards for the training of
          corrections recruits and corrections officers, including requirements for corrections officer
          certification, continued certification, and revocation of certification.

                    (k) The board is authorized to establish uniform standards for the certification of local
          correctional training academies for the purpose of training corrections recruits and
          corrections officers.
SB 1589
                    (I) The board may issue, or revoke as required, special certifications to persons who,

          by reason of experience and completion of in-service training, advanced education, or
          specialized training, are especially qualified for particular aspects or classes relevant to the
          corrections profession.
          SECTION 4. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-17-1315(a)(1)(A), is amended by
adding the following as a new subdivision (a)(1)(A)(iv) and redesignating the existing subdivision
(a)(1 )(A)(iv) as subdivision (a)(1 )(A)(v):

                    (iv) Any director or full-time employee of the Tennessee corrections institute in the
          performance of the director or employee's duty; or
          SECTION 5. This act takes effect July 1, 2026, the public welfare requiring it.

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         SENATE BILL NO. 1589

PASSED:  March 9, 2026

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                                                  RANDY"cNALLY
                                     SPEAKER OF THE SENATE

                        CAMER---- TON,SPEAKER
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

J54L b APPROVED this
         day of (Y) {AX<                        2026

         ~I.et-
                            BILL LEE, GOVERNOR