TN HB1128

Constables newly elected or appointed on or after July 1, 2025 must complete 128 hours of law enforcement training approved by the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) commission within their first year

Constables who fail to complete required in-service education cannot exercise law enforcement powers; violations constitute a Class C misdemeanor with fine-only penalties, with each day counting as a separate offense

New constables must be paired with a trained constable or POST-certified law enforcement officer while performing duties until training is completed, unless they served as a full-time POST-certified officer within the past 5 years

The 128-hour training requirement may be waived if the constable completes a comparable basic law enforcement course within one year of election or appointment

Act took effect immediately upon becoming law (approved May 21, 2025)