Nashville’s ABC affiliate reports:
In a 26-7 vote, state senators approved SB6002 Wednesday, which will create criminal penalties (Class E felony) for officials who adopt sanctuary policies. According to the bill’s text, officials can also be removed upon conviction.
State Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville) spoke during the hearing. He said he believes the bill is unconstitutional and restricts lawmakers’ ability to represent their constituents. “Now this is the only time we are going to have a Tennessee law that says if you vote in the affirmative, you will be charged with a felony,” said Jones.
“Not just human beings but criminal gangs come into these United States and into Tennessee,” said state Rep. Monty Fritts (R-Kingston). “Drug trafficking and human trafficking has been increased by this lawless border condition that was allowed to exist.”
Read the full article. Monty Fritts appeared here in 2023 when the Tennessee House approved his bill allowing officiants to refuse to conduct same-sex, interfaith, and interracial marriages.
Republicans in the Tennessee Senate just passed a bill making local elected officials subject to felony charges and up to 6 years in prison simply for casting a vote at odds with Trump’s immigration enforcement policies.
That’s a dangerous break from American law and tradition.
— Jeff Yarbro (@yarbro) January 29, 2025
🔥🇺🇸 REP. @brotherjones_: “We might as well take the constitution and rip it up— you are violating your oath.”
Jones rips the Tennessee Republican immigration crackdown which includes a provision that FELONIZES CERTAIN VOTES, which nonpartisan attorneys warn is unconstitutional. pic.twitter.com/SuXPmIwlLW
— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) January 29, 2025
📸 👇🏽Signs in the audience as Tennessee Republicans pass their special session immigration crackdown bill, having grandmas and clergy carried out by troopers
Part of the bill makes it a FELONY to even VOTE for sanctuary policies pic.twitter.com/ik4PCgEleo
— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) January 29, 2025
SB 6002 – @GovBillLee’s immigration bill passes the @tnsenate by a vote of 26-7. The bill creates a centralized immigration enforcement division & would make it a crime for any public official to adopt sanctuary city policies. @WSMV pic.twitter.com/mL4O4hZ8P9
— Stacey Cameron (@StaceyTVJourno) January 29, 2025