Tennessee House Bill HB1671

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/26
• Refer: 1/21/26
• Refer: 2/18/26
• Refer: 3/24/26
• Chaptered: 5/5/26
• Passed: 5/5/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7 and Title 71, Chapter 5, relative to the relocation of homeless persons.

Impact

The bill also stipulates that public funds cannot be utilized for relocating homeless individuals unless proper housing and necessary services are verified to be available in the receiving jurisdiction. This aspect of HB 1671 underscores accountability in the use of public resources and emphasizes the need for local governments to secure appropriate living conditions for relocated individuals. The Attorney General is granted the authority to impose civil penalties of up to $10,000 for violations of these provisions, providing a legal framework for enforcement.

Summary

House Bill 1671 aims to regulate the relocation of homeless persons by local governmental entities within Tennessee. Under the provisions of this bill, local governments are prohibited from relocating homeless individuals to another jurisdiction without obtaining written consent from the receiving jurisdiction. This measure seeks to ensure coordination and agreement between local governments when dealing with homeless populations, aiming to prevent potentially harmful or uninformed relocations that could exacerbate homelessness issues.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1671 appears to resonate with advocates who prioritize the welfare of homeless individuals and seek to ensure ethical practices in their relocation. Supporters believe it represents a necessary step towards more compassionate and responsible governance concerning homelessness. However, there may also be concerns among local officials about administrative burdens and the restrictions on their ability to manage local homelessness issues effectively.

Contention

The primary points of contention surrounding this bill may arise from the balance between local autonomy and state oversight. While supporters argue that the bill protects vulnerable populations from hasty relocations, opponents may feel that it limits local governments' operational capabilities. The tension between maintaining local control over specific social issues versus the need for state-level regulations will likely be a significant discussion point as HB 1671 moves through the legislative process.