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SB 192

Alcoholic Beverages - As introduced, reduces from two to one the number of credible witnesses who must be present when a law enforcement officer destroys an illegal distillery, still, fermenting equipment, or related property. - Amends TCA Title 57.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Page Walley

SB 192 reduces required witnesses for law enforcement destruction of illegal alcohol equipment from two to one, streamlining enforcement but reducing procedural oversight.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate State and Local Government Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 192

Legislative bill overview

SB 192 reduces the number of required credible witnesses from two to one when law enforcement officers destroy equipment related to illegal alcohol production in Tennessee. This streamlines the procedural requirements for destroying confiscated stills, fermenting equipment, and related property from illegal distilleries.

Why is this important

The witness requirement exists as a safeguard against potential evidence tampering, corruption, or disputes about what property was actually destroyed. Reducing this requirement makes the destruction process faster and less resource-intensive for law enforcement, but also removes a layer of procedural oversight that protects against misconduct.

Potential points of contention

  • Accountability concerns: Fewer witnesses mean less independent verification of what was destroyed and whether proper procedures were followed, potentially creating opportunities for misconduct or property disputes
  • Resource efficiency vs. oversight: While one witness is more efficient for law enforcement, critics may argue the two-witness requirement protects both officers and property owners from allegations of impropriety
  • Consistency with other seizure procedures: This change may create inconsistency with other asset seizure or evidence destruction protocols that maintain higher witness requirements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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