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SB 1907

Salaries and Benefits - As introduced, entitles the estate of an electrical lineman who was employed by or contracted with a local government to service electrical transmission and power distribution systems to an annual annuity of $50,000 for five years upon the death of the lineman in the line of duty. - Amends TCA Title 5; Title 6; Title 7, Chapter 51; Title 8 and Title 50.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee bill provides $250,000 death benefit to families of local government electrical linemen killed on the job, amending multiple state codes.

Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 11, Nays 0 PNV 0
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Bill Summary · SB 1907

Legislative bill overview

SB 1907 would provide a $50,000 annual annuity for five years (totaling $250,000) to the estates of electrical linemen employed or contracted by local governments who die in the line of duty while servicing transmission and power distribution systems. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee Code to establish this benefit framework across state and local government titles.

Why is this important

Electrical linework is a high-risk occupation with significant fatality rates from electrocution, falls, and vehicle accidents. This bill addresses family financial security following workplace deaths and may influence recruitment and retention in critical infrastructure roles. The measure also sets precedent for how Tennessee values line-of-duty death benefits across its public workforce.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact and precedent: The annual cost depends on how many eligible deaths occur; passage could prompt similar benefit requests from other hazardous occupations (firefighters, police, utility workers), creating growing unfunded liabilities
  • Definition scope: The bill covers both "employed by or contracted with" local governments, potentially including private contractors, raising questions about who qualifies and whether private company employees should receive public benefits
  • Duration specificity: The five-year, $50,000 annual limit may be perceived as insufficient for families with long-term financial needs, or conversely, as overly generous compared to other states' programs or other Tennessee employee benefits

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

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