Tennessee House Bill HB2608

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/26
• Refer: 2/5/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 10; Title 24 and Title 38, relative to historical location data.

Impact

The bill is poised to amend several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to impose restrictions on how government officials can collect and utilize historical location data. By establishing a framework for compliance that includes rules for data access and security, this bill is designed to protect citizens from potential overreach and abuse of surveillance by government authority. Furthermore, it underscores the implications of using technology for data collection practices that may infringe upon the privacy rights as outlined by the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Summary

House Bill 2608, known as the Protecting Everyone from Excessive Police Surveillance (PEEPS) Act, aims to regulate the access and security of historical location data gathered by government entities in Tennessee. The legislation establishes stringent requirements for government officials seeking to access databases containing this data, including the necessity for a search warrant or informed consent from individuals whose data is being accessed. Additionally, it sets forth legal definitions for key terms related to historical data collection and clearly delineates the role of government entities in managing and securing this sensitive information.

Contention

Despite its protective intent, HB 2608 has sparked debate over its effects on law enforcement capabilities. Critics may argue that stringent restrictions could hinder police investigations and public safety initiatives, leading to conflicting views on the balance between privacy and security. Proponents of the bill, however, emphasize the importance of safeguarding individual rights and the potential for misuse of surveillance information if proper safeguards are not in place. The legislation also prohibits local governments from enacting less restrictive measures, ensuring consistency in the law across Tennessee jurisdictions.