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Bill

SB 1476

Finance and Administration, Dept. of - As introduced, creates a law enforcement officer recruitment fund and grant program administered by the department for the purpose of assisting eligible law enforcement agencies in officer recruitment. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 8; Title 9 and Title 38.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Brent Taylor

Tennessee bill establishes state law enforcement recruitment fund with grants to help agencies hire officers, amending four sections of state code.

Recalled from Senate Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 1476

Legislative bill overview

SB 1476 establishes a state-administered recruitment fund and grant program to help Tennessee law enforcement agencies attract and hire new officers. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee Code to create the financial mechanism and operational framework for distributing grants to eligible agencies statewide.

Why is this important

Law enforcement agencies across Tennessee, particularly in rural and smaller municipalities, struggle with recruitment and retention in a competitive labor market. This program directly addresses officer shortages by providing financial incentives that agencies can use for recruitment efforts, signing bonuses, or related hiring costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source unclear: The bill text does not specify how the recruitment fund will be capitalized—whether through general revenue appropriations, dedicated fees, or other mechanisms, raising questions about fiscal impact
  • Eligibility criteria undefined: Details on which agencies qualify, what threshold for assistance applies, and how funds will be distributed among competing agencies are not outlined
  • Oversight and accountability: The bill's amendments to multiple titles suggest structural changes, but without seeing the full language, it's unclear what reporting requirements or performance metrics will govern the program's effectiveness

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

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