Image Credit: State Representative Todd Warner / Facebook, State Representative Scott Cepicky / Facebook & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
As the 2025 legislative session approaches, two bills have already been filed by TN House Republicans aimed at combating the surge of illegal immigration in the state, indicating the issue will be a top priority for lawmakers this year and potentially marking a turning point for the General Assembly’s seemingly lackadaisical approach to Tennessee’s security and welfare.
On Wednesday of last week, Rep. Todd Warner (R-District 92-Chapel Hill) introduced HB0010 which would require law enforcement agencies with illegals in custody to request immigration detainers and require that agency, “to transport such individuals not taken into federal custody to a sanctuary city.”
“I thought about deporting them all the way back to their home country, but that seemed hard to do. If these cities want to take them, then God bless them,” Warner stated.
The bill would also allow the state to recoup the transportation costs, whether by car, bus, or plane, by withholding and redirecting federal petroleum taxes to reimburse local authorities if the federal government fails to fulfill the immigration detainers and collect the offenders.
Warner believes his bill, “is one way to help hold the federal government’s feet to the fire,” and is intended to keep limited resources, like public school funds, directed to citizen welfare over illegals.
The same day, Rep. Scott Cepicky (R-District 64-Culleoka) also filed HB0011 which would require the state to redesign licenses, IDs, and permits so they will “be easily distinguished” between those who are U.S. citizens and those who are not.
In a written statement, Cepicky elaborated that the bill would allow, “individuals with a Tennessee driver’s license to choose whether they want to provide the state with proof of their citizenship. This would allow employers that are required to use E-Verify and agencies like TennCare to easily determine if someone’s legal status has already been confirmed.”
Though both bills were introduced simultaneously, there was no coordination between the Representatives, again indicating the prevalence and import of this issue amongst conservatives.
Warner is optimistic that the next federal administration under President Trump will encourage Tennessee to become more proactive in tackling illegal immigration, “The news and the crime that’s being reported across the country show that we’re behind the 8-ball on this. Hopefully, Trump will make that better.”
Conservatives are also anticipating a bill from Rep. Gino Bulso (District 61- Brentwood) that will attempt a multi-pronged approach aiming to reshape or strengthen Tennessee immigration standards.
Given the past poor voting record and rather blasé opinions of many legislators on this issue, there is a high probability these bills will encounter pushback in either committee or on the floor, but potentially some conservatives, of which some are newly elected, in this year’s legislature will ensure these bills stand a fighting chance of passage.
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.
One Response
If they can make it past the Senate Judiciary Cabal…