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SB 655

District Attorneys - As enacted, authorizes a district attorney general, on the consent of the district attorney general of any other judicial district, to specially appoint another district attorney general, or an assistant to that district attorney general, to conduct specific proceedings under title 8, chapter 47, regarding removal of officers, which the district attorney general is authorized by law to conduct in that district. - Amends TCA Title 8.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Allows Tennessee district attorneys to request prosecutors from other districts to handle officer removal proceedings with mutual consent to avoid conflicts of interest.

Pub. Ch. 373
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Bill Summary · SB 655

Legislative bill overview

SB 655 allows district attorneys in Tennessee to request assistance from district attorneys in other judicial districts to conduct proceedings related to removing public officers. The bill requires consent from both the requesting and assisting district attorney before such cross-district appointments can occur.

Why is this important

This addresses potential conflicts of interest when a district attorney's own office or close political allies are the subject of removal proceedings. By enabling prosecutors from outside districts to handle sensitive cases, the bill aims to enhance the appearance and reality of impartial justice in high-stakes governmental accountability matters.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of "removal of officers": The bill's reference to "title 8, chapter 47" may need clarification on which specific officer types qualify, potentially creating ambiguity about who can be investigated this way
  • Consent requirement as a barrier: The mutual consent provision could allow politically connected district attorneys to block outside involvement, potentially undermining the conflict-of-interest protection the bill intends to provide
  • Resource and jurisdiction questions: Cross-district prosecutions may create practical challenges regarding witness availability, local knowledge, and funding responsibility between districts

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

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