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HB 1639

Safety, Dept. of - As enacted, creates the office of homeland security within the department of safety. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29; Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 20 and Section 38-3-114.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by William Lamberth

Creates Tennessee's Office of Homeland Security within Department of Safety to centralize state emergency preparedness and security coordination functions.

Comp. SB subst.
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Bill Summary · HB 1639

Legislative bill overview

HB 1639 creates a new Office of Homeland Security within Tennessee's Department of Safety, requiring statutory amendments to establish its structure and authority. The bill modifies existing state code sections governing the department's organization and operations to accommodate this new office.

Why is this important

This represents an organizational restructuring that could consolidate homeland security functions under a single state-level office, potentially affecting emergency preparedness, disaster response coordination, and terrorism prevention efforts. The creation of such an office typically involves budget allocation, staffing decisions, and clarification of jurisdictional boundaries between state and local agencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Bureaucratic expansion vs. efficiency: Critics may question whether creating a new office adds necessary capacity or creates redundant administrative layers, particularly if homeland security functions already exist elsewhere in state government
  • Funding and resource allocation: The bill's fiscal impact is unclear from the summary—establishing a new office typically requires dedicated budget, and stakeholders may debate prioritization against other state safety needs
  • Jurisdictional overlap: Questions may arise about how this office coordinates with existing emergency management agencies, local law enforcement, federal DHS partnerships, and other state departments already handling related functions

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

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