Tennessee House Bill HB1911

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/26
• Refer: 2/4/26
• Refer: 3/4/26
• Refer: 3/18/26
• Chaptered: 4/24/26
• Passed: 4/24/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 10, Chapter 7, relative to public records.

Impact

The amendment modifies existing access restrictions that previously limited public records access to only Tennessee citizens. The rationale behind this bill is to enhance transparency in law enforcement by allowing non-citizens the right to access their own records, thereby fostering greater trust in the legal system. By providing access to these records, the bill seeks to protect the rights of individuals, regardless of their citizenship status, ensuring that everyone has the ability to inspect documentation that concerns them directly.

Summary

House Bill 1911 addresses amendments to Tennessee's public records laws. Specifically, the bill introduces a new provision permitting individuals who are not citizens of the state to access certain law enforcement records pertaining to themselves. This includes types of documents such as arrest reports, incident reports, crash reports, and citations. To acquire these records, non-citizens must submit a written request, present a valid government-issued photo ID, and provide a signed affidavit ensuring that the record pertains solely to them.

Contention

While proponents argue that HB1911 strengthens personal rights and increases openness of law enforcement records, there may be concerns regarding privacy and misuse of information. Opponents might argue that allowing non-citizens access to certain records could lead to complications or abuse, particularly around sensitive data that may affect ongoing investigations or public safety. As discussions unfold, the balance between transparency and individual privacy rights remains a vital point of contention.