Tennessee Senate Bill SB1788

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/26
• Engrossed: 3/26/26
• Enrolled: 4/9/26
• Passed: 4/27/26
• Chaptered: 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 further establishes that local governments cannot use public funds for the relocation of homeless individuals unless it has been confirmed that adequate housing and necessary services are available in the jurisdiction to which these individuals are being moved. This requirement aims to safeguard the welfare of homeless individuals by ensuring that relocations do not lead to adverse living conditions in new locations.

Summary

Senate Bill 1788 is a legislative measure aimed at amending the Tennessee Code related to the relocation of homeless individuals. The bill introduces new provisions prohibiting local governmental entities from relocating homeless persons to another jurisdiction without obtaining written consent from the receiving jurisdiction. This stipulation seeks to ensure that there is mutual agreement before any relocation occurs, promoting cooperation between local governments on issues of homelessness.

Contention

A significant aspect of SB1788 is the implementation of civil penalties, allowing the attorney general to seek fines up to $10,000 against any local government that violates the established guidelines regarding the relocation of homeless individuals. Additionally, jurisdictions affected by these violations can pursue damages and injunctive relief against the local governmental entity in question, indicating a rigorous enforcement mechanism is in place should the bill be enacted.