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HB 2026

Criminal Offenses - As introduced, creates a Class A misdemeanor offense of intentionally moving, altering, destroying, or removing a monument the person knows, or reasonably should know, is a property corner monument, historic land surveying monument, or geodetic control monument. - Amends TCA Title 39; Title 62, Chapter 18 and Title 66.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ryan Williams

Tennessee bill makes intentionally damaging/removing property survey monuments a Class A misdemeanor to protect land record integrity and surveying infrastructure.

H. Placed on Regular Calendar for 4/20/2026
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2026

Legislative bill overview

HB 2026 creates a Class A misdemeanor criminal offense in Tennessee for intentionally moving, altering, destroying, or removing property corner monuments, historic land surveying monuments, or geodetic control monuments—if the person knows or should reasonably know what they're damaging. The bill modifies Tennessee Code sections related to criminal offenses and land surveying regulations.

Why is this important

Survey monuments are critical infrastructure used by surveyors, property owners, and government agencies to establish accurate property lines and boundaries. Tampering with these markers can lead to costly boundary disputes, construction errors, and compromised land records. Criminalizing such actions protects the integrity of property records and surveying infrastructure.

Potential points of contention

  • Knowledge standard ambiguity: The "reasonably should know" language may be broad enough to criminalize actions by property owners unaware they're disturbing monuments on their own land, creating enforcement questions about intent and liability.
  • Class A misdemeanor severity: Class A misdemeanors carry significant penalties; some may argue this is disproportionate compared to civil remedies available to surveyors and property owners seeking damages.
  • Scope and definition clarity: The bill may need clearer definitions of what constitutes "monuments" to avoid confusion between marked survey points and other landscape features, particularly in rural or undeveloped areas.

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

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