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SB 235

Law Enforcement - As introduced, requires an employing law enforcement agency to contact any prior law enforcement agency that employed the agency's officer or special deputy as part of the thorough investigation into the person's good moral character. - Amends TCA Title 38, Chapter 8.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Raumesh Akbari

Tennessee law now requires police agencies to contact prior employers when investigating job applicants' moral character, aiming to prevent rehiring of problematic officers between departments.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 235

Legislative bill overview

SB 235 requires Tennessee law enforcement agencies to contact an officer's or special deputy's previous employers as part of background investigations when evaluating moral character. The bill amends Tennessee's law enforcement employment regulations to mandate this employment history verification step during hiring or vetting processes.

Why is this important

Police departments often hire officers who have problematic histories at previous agencies—sometimes including misconduct, disciplinary issues, or termination for cause. By requiring agencies to check prior employment records, this bill aims to prevent the rehiring or movement of problematic officers between departments, a practice sometimes called "passing the trash." This directly affects public safety and accountability in law enforcement.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and records access concerns: Prior agencies may be reluctant to share detailed disciplinary records due to privacy laws, employment confidentiality agreements, or fear of litigation, potentially limiting the bill's practical effectiveness
  • Definitional ambiguity: The bill doesn't clearly define what constitutes "good moral character" or what specific information from prior employment must be disclosed, leaving interpretation to agencies
  • Burden on small agencies: Rural or smaller law enforcement departments may lack resources to conduct thorough multi-agency investigations, potentially creating unequal implementation across the state

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

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