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HB 1547

Law Enforcement - As introduced, requires state and local criminal justice agencies to share all criminal justice data and records, including relevant personally identifying information and demographic information, held by that agency with a bona fide researcher for the purpose of facilitating and promoting criminal justice research. - Amends TCA Title 8 and Title 38.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Kelly Keisling

Tennessee bill requires criminal justice agencies to share all criminal records and personal data with approved researchers to enable independent criminal justice research and oversight.

Action Def. in s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee to 3/18/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 1547

Legislative bill overview

HB 1547 mandates that state and local criminal justice agencies share all held criminal justice data and records—including personally identifying information and demographic data—with qualified researchers for criminal justice research purposes. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 8 and 38 to establish this data-sharing requirement.

Why is this important

Criminal justice research depends on access to comprehensive data to identify systemic problems, evaluate policy effectiveness, and inform evidence-based reforms. Currently, agencies may restrict access to such data, limiting independent scrutiny and academic study of the criminal justice system. This bill could accelerate research on policing practices, sentencing disparities, recidivism, and other critical policy areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and security risks: Sharing personally identifying information raises concerns about identity theft, harassment of individuals with criminal records, and unintended re-identification of supposedly anonymized data, particularly for vulnerable populations
  • Definition of "bona fide researcher": The bill lacks clear criteria for who qualifies as a researcher, potentially allowing broad access without sufficient institutional review or safeguards
  • Burden on agencies: Criminal justice agencies may face significant resource costs for data compilation, verification, and secure transfer, potentially straining already-limited budgets

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

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