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SB 845

Local Government, General - As enacted, sets up a process by which the attorney general and reporter may review whether a local government action violates state law or the Constitution of Tennessee. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8 and Title 9.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Adam Lowe

Tennessee law now allows the state Attorney General to review and challenge local government actions allegedly violating state law or the state Constitution.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 514
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Bill Summary · SB 845

Legislative bill overview

SB 845 establishes a formal review process allowing Tennessee's Attorney General and Reporter to examine whether local government actions violate state law or the Tennessee Constitution. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) governing local government operations and has become public law as Chapter 514.

Why is this important

This legislation centralizes oversight of local government decision-making at the state level, potentially affecting how cities and counties operate independently. It creates a mechanism that could be used to challenge local ordinances, policies, or administrative actions deemed unconstitutional or illegal under state law.

Potential points of contention

  • Federalism concerns: Shifts decision-making power from local governments to state-level officials, potentially limiting local autonomy in addressing community-specific issues
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's language about "reviewing" local actions is broad and could enable challenges to routine local governance decisions beyond clear constitutional violations
  • Political weaponization risk: The review process could be used strategically to override local policies based on partisan interpretation of state law, particularly regarding hot-button issues like zoning, public health, or education

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

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