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TN SB1973
Bill
Status
1/22/2026
Primary Sponsor
Raumesh Akbari
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AI Summary
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Prohibits Tennessee law enforcement agencies from detaining, arresting, or holding any person solely based on ICE immigration detainers, administrative warrants, or suspected immigration status without a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge establishing probable cause
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Bars custody transfers to ICE unless ICE presents a judicial warrant and the transfer does not extend detention beyond when the person would otherwise be released under state law
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Creates civil liability for violations, allowing affected individuals to sue law enforcement agencies, political subdivisions, and individual officers who knowingly participated in unlawful detention
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Awards prevailing plaintiffs compensatory damages, statutory damages of at least $1,000 per day of unlawful detention, attorney's fees, and injunctive relief, with governmental immunity waived
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Takes effect July 1, 2026
Legislative Description
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7; Title 8; Title 38; Title 40 and Title 41, relative to the "Tennessee Freedom from Unlawful Immigration Detention Act."
Immigration
Last Action
Placed on Senate State and Local Government Committee calendar for 3/17/2026
3/11/2026