New Tennessee Bill Would Increase State Reporting Requirements On Illegal Immigrants

Image Credit: State Representative Elaine Davis / Facebook & Canva

The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –

As Republican leadership has announced illegal immigration enforcement is set to be a primary feature of this year’s legislative session, one proposed bill would expand reporting requirements for law enforcement agencies, local governments, and the state’s department of finance.

HB1711 by Rep. Elaine Davis (R-Knoxville-District 18) would require that law enforcement agencies communicate with local government agencies and submit quarterly reports to the state’s centralized immigration enforcement division, which was created last year during Gov. Lee’s special legislative session. 

The quarterly reports would also be sent to “the appropriate federal official regarding illegal activities, including criminal gang activities and violations of federal immigration laws” of illegal aliens and would include those arrested or “otherwise detained” for violations of federal immigration laws.

Additionally, the department of finance would be required to report to the governor and speakers of the House and Senate at the end of each year the annual cost incurred by the state for public schools, including public higher education institutions, prisons, hospitals, and social service agencies to provide services or benefits to illegal aliens. 

Other departments, including the district attorneys general conference and the department of correction, are required, as of Jan. 2025, to make similar reports to the governor and speakers, making HB1711’s additional reporting an extra resource for the state to see a broader picture of the impacts of illegal immigration on the state.

This bill does not appear to specifically be part of Republican leadership’s upcoming slate of illegal immigration bills, but it will likely merit full consideration as the state works to address one of the Republican voter base’s most important issues.

About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.