Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HB1918

Introduced
1/22/26  
Refer
2/4/26  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7; Title 8; Title 38; Title 50; Title 62 and Title 66, relative to the Tennessee Private Workplace Due Process and Warrant Protection Act.

Impact

The bill affirms the constitutional rights of business owners and workers under the Fourth Amendment, reinforcing that government officials must have a judicial warrant for entry into private workplaces. This provision is designed to protect employees and employers from coercive enforcement actions by federal immigration authorities. It could also result in stronger private property rights protection in Tennessee, as businesses will be empowered to refuse entry and seek protection against retaliation for exercising their rights.

Summary

House Bill 1918, known as the Tennessee Private Workplace Due Process and Warrant Protection Act, seeks to amend multiple sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated. The primary aim of this legislation is to provide enhanced protections for private businesses and their employees regarding government entry into non-public areas without appropriate judicial warrants. It reflects a growing concern about government overreach and aims to ensure that private workplaces can refuse entry to federal immigration authorities unless a valid judicial warrant is presented.

Contention

The discussion surrounding HB1918 may reflect broader debates on immigration policy and local versus federal government authority. Opponents of the bill argue that it may complicate law enforcement agencies' ability to carry out their duties effectively and could shield undocumented immigrants from accountability. Proponents, however, emphasize the importance of due process and the protection of civil liberties, asserting that these provisions are critical for ensuring lawful enforcement practices.

Enforcement

The bill mandates that a model workplace notice be developed to inform businesses and employees regarding their rights under this act, which could enhance awareness and compliance among businesses in Tennessee. It also provides legal avenues for individuals and businesses to seek redress for violations of this act, thus instilling a mechanism for enforcing these rights at a judicial level.

Companion Bills

TN SB1971

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7; Title 8; Title 38; Title 50; Title 62 and Title 66, relative to the Tennessee Private Workplace Due Process and Warrant Protection Act.

Previously Filed As

TN SB1971

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7; Title 8; Title 38; Title 50; Title 62 and Title 66, relative to the Tennessee Private Workplace Due Process and Warrant Protection Act.

TN HB1961

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7; Title 8; Title 38 and Title 58, relative to the "Tennessee Veteran Protection and Due Process Act."

TN SB1972

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7; Title 8; Title 38 and Title 58, relative to the "Tennessee Veteran Protection and Due Process Act."

TN HB1166

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 50, relative to workplace violence.

TN SB1422

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 50, relative to workplace violence.

TN HB2346

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 47; Title 50; Title 62; Title 66 and Title 71, relative to the Fair Background Check and Due Process Act.

TN SB2628

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 47; Title 50; Title 62; Title 66 and Title 71, relative to the Fair Background Check and Due Process Act.

TN HB0791

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 29 and Title 50, relative to workplace conditions.

TN SB1220

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 29 and Title 50, relative to workplace conditions.

TN SB2032

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 38; Title 50; Title 62 and Title 68, relative to employment.

Similar Bills

CA SB238

An act to add Part 5.

HI HB2455

Relating To Employment Practices.

HI SB3186

Relating To Employment Practices.

OR SB537

Relating to violence in health care settings.

IL SB0223

CD CORR-DOC SAFETY COMMITTEE

KY HB713

AN ACT relating to workplace violence against health care professionals.

LA SB223

Establishes the Retail Service Worker Health and Safety Act. (8/1/25) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

NC H351

Recovery-Friendly Workplace Program/Funds