Tennessee Senate Bill SB1970

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/26
• Engrossed: 3/12/26
• Enrolled: 4/1/26
• Passed: 4/14/26
• Chaptered: 4/24/26

Caption

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

Impact

The enactment of SB1970 would notably change the landscape surrounding public records in Tennessee. By enabling non-citizens to review their law enforcement records, the bill aims to enhance transparency and improve individual rights in accessing public information. Advocates believe this change will cater to justice and fairness, particularly for individuals who may interact with state law enforcement agencies while residing outside of Tennessee. However, it is crucial to note that the bill does not permit the release of records that are otherwise deemed confidential by law, thus maintaining some level of protection for sensitive information.

Summary

Senate Bill 1970, introduced by Senator Akbari, amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 10, Chapter 7, which relates to public records. The bill introduces a new subsection allowing non-citizens of Tennessee to access certain law enforcement records and reports pertaining only to themselves. This includes access to arrest reports, incident reports, crash reports, and citations provided that the individual submits a written request accompanied by valid photo identification and an affidavit affirming the request pertains to them. This amendment marks a significant change in public records access as it loosens restrictions that traditionally limited such access to only state citizens.

Contention

As with many legislative changes, there may be points of contention or concern regarding SB1970. Critics might argue that expanding access to non-citizens poses risks related to privacy and security, particularly concerning sensitive law enforcement data. However, the bill's proponents contend that the safeguards in place, such as the requirement for valid identification and sworn affidavits, adequately mitigate these concerns. Additionally, discussions may arise around the implications for local law enforcement agencies concerning how they manage and process requests from non-citizens.