Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
An amended bill requiring some law enforcement agencies to hold illegal aliens longer so federal immigration authorities can assume custody and a proposed constitutional amendment reiterating that only U.S. citizens may vote in Tennessee elections both passed their respective Senate and House committees on Wednesday, bringing them one step closer to passage as the 2026 legislative session approaches its conclusion.
SB1486– Requires Tennessee Sheriff’s departments participating in the 287(g) program to hold illegal aliens longer
While law enforcement officers are already required to be trained concerning their role in enforcing federal immigration laws, this bill originally mandated that all law enforcement agencies with a holding facility “accept and honor” federal immigration detainers, meaning they comply with the requested conditions in the immigration detainer.
Additionally, the bill would have required the agencies to keep a detained illegal alien for 48 hours beyond the time the subject would have otherwise been released from local custody to ensure there is enough time for federal immigration authorities to take custody of the subject before they are released by a local law enforcement agency and allowed back into the community.
Now, the bill’s latest amendment still includes those requirements to honor detainers and keep illegals longer, but only for Tennessee Sheriff’s departments already participating in the 287(g) federal immigration program.
During the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee meeting on Wednesday, bill sponsor Sen. Brent Taylor explained the purpose of the amendment was to get the attached fiscal note reduced to “Not Significant”, allowing the bill to pass and avoid being placed behind the budget, a death knell for many pieces of legislation.
While it seems to weaken the bill, Taylor could have added this amendment knowing that another progressing piece of legislation is which would require all Tennessee Sheriff’s departments to enter the 287(g) program, thereby ultimately subjecting all Sheriffs to this bill’s provisions and upholding the original intent while circumventing the need to overcome a difficult fiscal note.
There were no questions or comments from committee members, and the vote was 9-1 along party lines in favor of advancing SB1486 to the full Senate.
The House companion, HB2018, has passed the House State & Local Government Committee and is awaiting a date on the House floor.
If you support this legislation, find the contact information for your Senator or Representative using this tool.
HJR0808– Constitutional amendment specifying only U.S. citizens can vote
This joint resolution would reaffirm that only U.S. citizens may vote in all Tennessee elections. Sponsors have continually reiterated that they do not currently believe this to be an issue in the state but are proposing this amendment to ensure the Tennessee Constitution could not be circumvented in case governing authorities attempt to bypass state laws at some point in the future.
There was no discussion or further comment by members of the House Finance, Way, & Means Subcommittee, and the bill unanimously passed 13-0. HJR0808 will now proceed to the full Finance, Ways, & Means Committee for consideration.
The companion version of this resolution, SJR0624, has already passed the Senate, meaning it is one step closer to passing the first of two consecutive legislative sessions required for proposed constitutional amendments.
Before it can appear on voters’ ballots, a proposed constitutional amendment must pass two consecutive sessions of the General Assembly, the first with a simple majority and the second with a 2/3 majority. It can then only be referred to the ballot during a gubernatorial election year.
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.
