reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 3 - PUBLIC OFFICERS PREVENTING COMMISSION OF OFFENSES (§§ 38-3-101 — 38-3-123) › Section 38-3-115 - No public funds, personnel or property of state to be allocated to enforce federal or international laws governing firearms where it would violate state laws - Violation

(a)
(1)
On or after July 1, 2021, public funds of this state, or any political subdivision of this state, shall not be allocated to the implementation, regulation, or enforcement of any federal law, executive order, rule, or regulation regulating the ownership, use, sale, or possession of firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories, if the expenditure of public funds would result in the violation of another Tennessee statute, Tennessee common law, or the Constitution of Tennessee.
(2)
On or after July 1, 2021, personnel or property of this state, or any political subdivision of this state, shall not be allocated to the implementation, regulation, or enforcement of any federal law, executive order, rule, or regulation regulating the ownership, use, sale, or possession of firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories, if the expenditure of public funds would result in the violation of another Tennessee statute, Tennessee common law, or the Constitution of Tennessee.
(b)
(1)
On or after July 1, 2021, personnel or property of this state, or any political subdivision of this state, shall not be allocated to the implementation, regulation, or enforcement of any international law or treaty regulating the ownership, use, sale, or possession of firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories, if the expenditure of public funds would result in the violation of another Tennessee statute, Tennessee common law, or the Constitution of Tennessee.
(2)
On or after July 1, 2021, public funds of this state, or any political subdivision of this state, shall not be allocated to the implementation, regulation, or enforcement of any international law or treaty regulating the ownership, use, sale, or possession of firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories, if the expenditure of public funds would result in the violation of another Tennessee statute, Tennessee common law, or the Constitution of Tennessee.
(c)
For purposes of this section, "firearm" has the same meaning as defined in §
39-11-106
.
(d)
A violation of this section by a state or local government entity may be reviewed by the office of the attorney general and reporter and the general assembly and may result in the entity's loss of funding from the state for the fiscal year following the violation.
(e)
An official who violates this section is subject to ouster under title 8, chapter 47, if applicable.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 553, s 3, eff. 5/26/2021.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 444, Secs.s2, s3 eff. 5/13/2021.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 864, s 1, eff. 4/19/2016.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 380, s 1, eff. 4/30/2015.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 3 - PUBLIC OFFICERS PREVENTING COMMISSION OF OFFENSES (§§ 38-3-101 — 38-3-123) › Section 38-3-116 - Inquiry regarding arrested person's children and whether they will be left unattended by arrest - Policies and procedures for conducting welfare checks - Liability

(a)
Each law enforcement agency shall ensure that, whenever a person is arrested and taken into custody by an officer of the agency, the person is asked whether that person is the parent or legal custodian of any children that will be left unattended by the person's arrest. From this information, the officer shall determine whether the child or children will be endangered by the parent or legal custodian's absence following an arrest.
(b)
Each law enforcement agency shall develop policies and procedures for conducting welfare checks on any child identified under subsection (a) as endangered. A welfare check may be performed by the arresting agency or another agency responsible for ensuring the safety and welfare of children.
(c)
In the event the arrested person fails to inform the arresting law enforcement agency of any endangered children described in subsection (a), no arresting law enforcement agency, nor its personnel, shall be liable.
Acts 2018, ch. 801, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 3 - PUBLIC OFFICERS PREVENTING COMMISSION OF OFFENSES (§§ 38-3-101 — 38-3-123) › Section 38-3-118 - Policies and guidelines regarding use of marked law enforcement vehicles by off-duty law enforcement officers for travel to and from vulnerable locations

(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b), a chief law enforcement officer of a state or local law enforcement agency may develop and implement policies and guidelines regarding the use of marked law enforcement vehicles by off-duty law enforcement officers for travel to and from vulnerable locations in order to project an enhanced security presence while at such locations.
(b)
A chief law enforcement officer shall not develop or implement policies or guidelines in accordance with subsection (a) without the express approval of:
(1)
With respect to a local law enforcement agency, the executive head or legislative body of the local government, as applicable, vested with the authority to direct such chief law enforcement officer; and
(2)
With respect to a state law enforcement agency, the executive head of the state department or agency within which the state law enforcement agency is created.
(c)
For purposes of this section, "vulnerable locations" includes places of worship, schools, and parks.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 139,s 1, eff. 4/9/2019.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 3 - PUBLIC OFFICERS PREVENTING COMMISSION OF OFFENSES (§§ 38-3-101 — 38-3-123) › Section 38-3-119 - Unenforceability of law, treaty, executive order, rule, or regulation of U.S. government found to violate Article I, 26 of Tennessee Constitution or Second Amendment

Pursuant to the sovereign authority of this state, a law, treaty, executive order, rule, or regulation of the United States government that has been found by the supreme court of the United States or the Tennessee supreme court to violate Article I, § 26 of the Constitution of Tennessee or the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution is null, void, and unenforceable in this state.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 553, s 2, eff. 5/26/2021.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 3 - PUBLIC OFFICERS PREVENTING COMMISSION OF OFFENSES (§§ 38-3-101 — 38-3-123) › Section 38-3-121 - Use of choke holds

A law enforcement officer shall not use a choke hold, as defined in §
38-8-101
, with or without the use of a police baton, on any person unless the officer reasonably believes that deadly force is authorized pursuant to §
39-11-620
.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 489, s 1, eff. 5/18/2021.
Acts 1994, ch. 893, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 3 - PUBLIC OFFICERS PREVENTING COMMISSION OF OFFENSES (§§ 38-3-101 — 38-3-123) › Section 38-3-123 - Prohibition against requiring victims of sexual offenses to submit to polygraph

(a)
No law enforcement officer shall require any victim of a sexual offense, as defined in §
40-39-202
, or violent sexual offense, as defined in §
40-39-202
, to submit to a polygraph examination or any other test designed to detect deception or verify the truth of statements through instrumentation or by means of a mechanical device, as a condition of the officer proceeding with the investigation of the offense.
(b)
A violation of this section shall subject the officer to appropriate departmental disciplinary action.
Acts 2006, ch. 638, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-101 - Affidavit required to hold inquest

No inquest shall be held by the coroner or any court of general sessions over the dead body of any person until an affidavit, in writing, is made and signed by two (2) or more reliable persons, averring the death of the person and that there is good reason to believe that the person died by unlawful violence at the hands of some other person; and without the affidavit, in writing, the coroner or court shall have no jurisdiction to hold an inquest over the dead body of any person, and all proceedings without the affidavit shall be utterly void and useless. Unless this section is literally, rigidly, and strictly complied with, and the affidavit filed with the papers, the coroner or court shall receive no fees or compensation for holding the inquest.
Acts 1895, ch. 31, § 1; Shan., § 7274; Code 1932, §11876; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-401.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-102 - False affidavit - Perjury

Any person who falsely, willfully, and corruptly swears out an affidavit as provided for in §
38-5-101
shall be deemed guilty of perjury, and punished as provided for by law for the offense, and in addition to the penalty provided by law for perjury, shall be taxed with all the costs incidental to the inquisition, based upon the false and corrupt affidavit.
Acts 1895, ch. 31, § 2; Shan., § 7275; Code 1932, § 11877; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-402.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-103 - Courts of general sessions may hold inquests as coroners

Courts of general sessions shall have the same power, when called on, to hold juries of inquest over the bodies of deceased persons, as coroners, and have the same fees as are allowed coroners for the same services.
Acts 1859-1860, ch. 112, § 1; Shan., § 7277; Code 1932, § 11878; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-403.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-104 - Jury

The jury of inquest shall consist of seven (7) jurors who shall be summoned by the coroner and be sworn by such coroner to inquire who the person was, and when, where and by what means that person died, and to render a true verdict on the death, according to the evidence offered the jurors or arising from inspection of the body.
Code 1858, § 5300; Shan., § 7278; Code 1932, § 11879; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 11879; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-404.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-105 - Subpoenas for witnesses

The coroner may issue subpoenas for witnesses, returnable immediately, or at the time and place as the coroner may appoint, and may enforce witnesses' attendance and punish for contempt and other causes, in like manner as a court of general sessions in a state case.
Code 1858, § 5301; Shan., § 7279; Code 1932, §11880; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-405.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-106 - Who shall be summoned as witnesses

The coroner shall summon and examine as a witness every person who, in the coroner's opinion, or that of any of the coroner's jury, has any knowledge of the facts.
Code 1858, § 5302; Shan., § 7280; Code 1932, § 11881; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-406.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-107 - Surgeon or physician as witness

The coroner may also summon as a witness a surgeon or physician, when requested so to do by the district attorney general, to make examination of the body, including the performing of an autopsy, and give a professional opinion as to the cause of death, whose fee shall not exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00), and the fee shall be allowed in the bill of costs.
Code 1858, § 5303 (deriv. Acts 1849-1850, ch. 75, § 2); Shan., §7281; Code 1932, § 11882; Acts 1943, ch. 26, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 11882; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-407.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-108 - Employment of chemist

The coroner may also, whenever deemed necessary, employ a competent chemist to examine for poison, and make an analysis of suspected substances, whose fee, not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00), shall be allowed in the bill of costs.
Code 1858, § 5304 (deriv. Acts 1849-1850, ch. 75, § 4); Shan., §7282; Code 1932, § 11883; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-408.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-109 - Allowances to physicians and chemists limited

No allowance shall be made under §
38-5-107
or §
38-5-108
, except to persons actually summoned by the coroner for the express purpose, and duly reported by the coroner to the court.
Code 1858, § 5305 (deriv. Acts 1849-1850, ch. 75, § 3); Shan., §7283; Code 1932, § 11884; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-409.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-110 - Service of process

The summons for the jurors and the subpoenas for witnesses may be served by the sheriff, or any constable of the county, or by the coroner personally.
Code 1858, § 5306; Shan., § 7284; Code 1932, § 11885; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-410.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-111 - Verdict of jury

The jury, after inspecting the body, hearing the testimony, and making all needful inquiries, shall render a verdict by an inquisition in writing, signed by the jury, setting forth as near as may be, who the person was, when, where, and by what means the person died, and whether by the act of another, and what other person, and whether by unlawful means.
Code 1858, § 5307; Shan., § 7285; Code 1932, § 11886; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-411.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-112 - Form of inquisition

The inquisition shall be as follows:
State of Tennessee,
______________ County.
An inquisition held at ____________________, in the county and state aforementioned, on the ____________________ day of ____________________, 20____________________, before ______________, coroner of such county, upon the body of ______________ (or a person unknown), there lying dead, by the jurors whose names are hereto subscribed, who upon their oaths do say: (here state, when, how, by what person, means, weapon, or accident the person died, and whether feloniously, as near as may be according to the requirements of §
38-5-111
).
In testimony whereof, the jurors have hereunto set their hands the day and date above.
Code 1858, § 5308; Shan., § 7286; Code 1932, § 11887; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-412.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-113 - Return of inquisition

The coroner shall immediately return the inquisition to the criminal court of the coroner's county, if any, and, if not, to the circuit court of the county, together with a list of the witnesses who testified to material facts.
Code 1858, § 5309; Shan., § 7287; Code 1932, § 11888; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-413.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-114 - Witnesses may be bound over

The coroner shall also require all material witnesses to enter into an undertaking to appear at such court, if in session, or at the next succeeding term, and may require security for such undertaking, and, for this purpose, the coroner is vested with all the powers of a court of general sessions in state cases.
Code 1858, § 5310; Shan., § 7288; Code 1932, §11889; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-414.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-115 - Arrest of person if present

If the jury finds that the deceased died by the act of another by unlawful means, the coroner may arrest the person implicated, if present, and may make out a warrant requiring an officer, or other person authorized by the officer, to take such person before a magistrate, or may commit the person until the person can be carried before a magistrate.
Code 1858, § 5311; Shan., § 7289; Code 1932, § 11890; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-415.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-116 - Warrant for arrest if person not present

If the person charged is not present, the coroner may issue a warrant to the sheriff, or any other lawful officer, requiring the officer to arrest such person and take the person before a magistrate.
Code 1858, § 5312; Shan., § 7290; Code 1932, § 11891; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-416.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-117 - Effect of coroner's warrant

The warrant of a coroner in the cases covered by this chapter shall be of equal authority with that of a court of general sessions, and, when the person charged is brought before the court, the person shall be dealt with as a person held under complaint in the usual form.
Code 1858, § 5313; Shan., § 7291; Code 1932, §11892; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-417.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-118 - Disposition of body of decedent

After the inquisition, the coroner or medical investigator may deliver the body of the deceased to the deceased's relatives, if there are any; but if not, the coroner or the medical investigator shall cause the deceased to be decently buried or cremated in accordance with §
68-4-113
, and the expense to be paid from the property found with the body, or, if there is none, from the county treasury, by certifying an account of the expenses to the county mayor, who shall allow and pay the expenses, if deemed reasonable, as other claims on the county.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 287, s 5, eff. 4/25/2013.
Code 1858, § 5314; Shan., § 7292; Code 1932, §11893; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 16, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §38-418, Acts 2003 , ch. 90, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-119 - Disposition of effects found on body

The coroner shall, within forty (40) days after an inquest on a dead body, deliver to the county trustee any money or other property found on the body, unless used for burial, or claimed in the meantime by the legal representatives of the deceased. If the coroner fails so to do, the trustee may, by motion before any tribunal having cognizance of the amount, upon ten (10) days' notice to the coroner, recover from the coroner and the coroner's official sureties the amount or value of the money or property, with interest, and twelve and one half percent (12.5%) damages.
Code 1858, § 5315; Shan., § 7293; Code 1932, § 11894; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-419.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-120 - Duty of county trustee as to effects found on body

Upon receipt of the money by the trustee as provided in §
38-5-119
, the trustee shall place it to the credit of the county. If it is other property, the trustee shall, within three (3) months, sell it at the courthouse of the county, at public auction, upon reasonable public notice, and shall, in like manner, place the proceeds to the credit of the county.
Code 1858, § 5316; Shan., § 7294; Code 1932, § 11895; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-420.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 5 - INQUESTS (§§ 38-5-101 — 38-5-121) › Section 38-5-121 - Delivery of property or payment of money to legal representatives of deceased

If the property, before sale, or the money in the treasury, is demanded in six (6) years by the legal representatives of the deceased, the trustee shall deliver or pay it to them, after deducting the fees of the coroner, expenses of sale, and three percent (3%) commissions for the trustee, and the money may be paid to the representative at any time after the expiration of six (6) years, upon the order of the court of general sessions.
Code 1858, § 5317; Shan., § 7295; Code 1932, §11896; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-421.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-NEW - [Newly enacted section not yet numbered] (§ 38-6-NEW) › 1

(a)
In any investigation involving a human trafficking offense, as defined in § 39-13314, an organized crime offense, under title 39, chapter 12, part 2, or an offense classified as a Class A or Class B felony, in which a district attorney general declines prosecution, an investigating state or local law enforcement agency may report and submit evidence of the offense to the district attorney general for another judicial district, in which jurisdiction and venue over the offense are proper, according to law and consistent with Rule 18 of the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure, for consideration and action.
(b)
This section does not affect, impair, or limit the sole, exclusive, and absolute discretion of a district attorney general in the performance of duties and responsibilities, or in the allocation of any investigatory, prosecutorial, administrative, staffing, and fiscal resources available to the district attorney general pursuant to § 8-7-103.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 805,s 2, eff. 4/29/2024.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-NEW - [Newly enacted section not yet numbered] (§ 38-6-NEW) › 2

(a)
By no later than October 1, 2024, the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall create an elder financial exploitation reporting mechanism that accepts reports from financial institutions as described in § 45-2-1204(b).
(b)
Upon receiving a report of suspected elder financial exploitation, the bureau shall coordinate with the district attorney general in the appropriate judicial district and, when appropriate, with other law enforcement agencies and adult protective services for additional investigation of the reported exploitation. The bureau may share appropriate information with the district attorney general, other law enforcement agencies, and adult protective services to aid in the investigation of the reported exploitation.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 972,s 4, eff. 5/21/2024.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-104 - Personnel - Injuries in the line of duty

(a)
The director may employ such clerical and stenographic personnel as may be needed for the efficient operation of the bureau. Salaries of the personnel of the bureau shall be fixed by the director and paid from the funds appropriated to the bureau by the general assembly. Nothing contained in this section shall affect in any way the retirement benefits and longevity pay as are now provided for the personnel for the Tennessee bureau of criminal identification. All funds, supplies and equipment now allocated for the use and benefit of the Tennessee bureau of criminal identification are transferred to the separate department created by this chapter for the use and benefit of the bureau.
(b)
When a member of the bureau is injured in the line of duty and that injury prevents the member from performing the member's regular duties, whether the disability is temporary or permanent, it is lawful for the director, in the director's sound discretion and with the approval of the governor and the attorney general and reporter, to retain the disabled member of the bureau upon the regular payroll of the bureau until the member's claim for compensation for the disability is determined by the state board of claims. The state board of claims shall act within thirty (30) days of receipt of a disability rating based upon competent medical advice.
Acts 1951, ch. 173, § 4 (Williams, § 11465.13); Acts 1980, ch. 636, § 4; 1981, ch. 402, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-504.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-105 - Retired agents

Any agent or uniformed law enforcement officer of the Tennessee bureau of investigation who retires after twenty-five (25) years of honorable service shall be issued a retired commission card by the bureau. The card shall identify the agent or uniformed law enforcement officer and that the agent or uniformed law enforcement officer is retired. Cards issued under this provision shall bear the inscription, in print of equal or larger size than the rest of the printing on the card, the words "Not a handgun permit." After twenty-five (25) years of honorable service by an agent or uniformed law enforcement officer of the bureau, in recognition of the agent's or uniformed law enforcement officer's many years of good and faithful public service, the bureau shall authorize the agent or uniformed law enforcement officer to retain the agent's or uniformed law enforcement officer's service weapon.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 727,s 1, eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 1974, ch. 710, § 2; 1980, ch. 636, § 5; T.C.A., § 38-505; Acts 1995, ch. 273, § 1; 1996, ch. 675, § 18.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-107 - Certification of records by director

(a)
The director is authorized to establish a procedure for the official attestation, sealing and certification of records, reports, documents and actions of the bureau that may be required or authorized by law, and to designate the persons responsible for the certification.
(b)
The procedures provided for in subsection (a) shall be filed with the secretary of state.
Acts 1981, ch. 512, § 8; T.C.A., § 38-507.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-108 - Use of dogs to detect illicit substances

The Tennessee bureau of investigation is authorized to utilize dogs trained to detect marijuana and other illicit substances in its work, as may be desirable and appropriate.
Acts 1983, ch. 120, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-110 - Central registry for sexual offenders

(a)
The Tennessee bureau of investigation shall establish a central registry of sexual offenders modeled after statutes enacted in other states. The registry shall include all validated offenders from files maintained by the department of children's services, all persons who have been arrested for the commission of a sexual offense, and all persons who have been convicted of a sexual offense.
(b)
The departments of correction and children's services and local law enforcement agencies shall cooperate fully in the creation and updating of the central registry.
Acts 1985, ch. 478, § 36; 1989, ch. 278, § 45; 1996, ch. 1079, § 122.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-111 - Disposal of gambling devices

Any gambling device confiscated by the Tennessee bureau of investigation pursuant to a lawful order that has become final, including appeals, may, in lieu of destruction, be ordered sold at public sale, after the removal and destruction of the gambling circuitry and mechanisms. The proceeds of sales shall be deposited with the Tennessee bureau of investigation and budgeted to procure equipment for the forensic services division of the bureau.
Acts 1987, ch. 450, § 1; 1996, ch. 675, § 19.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-112 - Requests by attorney general and reporter for assistance

The attorney general and reporter is authorized to request the director of the bureau to furnish any assistance that may be required by the attorney general and reporter in the performance of the attorney general and reporter's duties under title 8, chapter 47, regarding the removal of officers; title 47, chapter 25, part 1, regarding trusts-unlawful restraint of trade and discrimination; §§
48-1-122
and
48-1-123
, regarding violations of the Tennessee Securities Act of 1980; and title 47, chapter 18, part 1, regarding the Consumer Protection Act of 1977. The bureau is authorized to provide to the attorney general and reporter any assistance that the attorney general and reporter may request pursuant to this section.
Acts 1990, ch. 976, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-115 - Notification of the district attorney general

If the bureau is investigating the possible commission of any offense specified in §
38-6-102(b)
, the bureau may, but is not required to, notify the district attorney general where the investigation is being conducted of the investigation.
Acts 1995, ch. 469, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-116 - Tennessee internet criminal information center

(a)
The Tennessee bureau of investigation shall create an office within the bureau to be known as the Tennessee internet criminal information center (TICIC). The purpose of the center is the development, maintenance and updating of an online database, toll-free hotline and such other means as are appropriate to provide easily accessible information to members of the public concerning persons of interest to the public safety and welfare.
(b)
Upon creation of the TICIC, the bureau shall compile and maintain databases consisting of a registry and associated information for the following groups of persons:
(1)
The Sexual Offense Registry.
(A)
This registry shall consist of all public information regarding persons who are required to complete a TBI sexual offender registration/monitoring form pursuant to title 40, chapter 39, part 2;
(B)
This registry shall include the photograph of all persons who are registered pursuant to title 40, chapter 39, part 2;
(2)
The Tennessee Missing Children Registry.
This registry shall consist of those children who have been placed by the bureau on the Tennessee missing children registry; and
(3)
Any other registry, information or database that, in the opinion of the bureau, would be in the interest of the public safety or welfare.
(c)
When one (1) or more of the databases comprising the TICIC is complete and in an accessible format, the bureau shall place and maintain each of them on the TICIC's Internet home page which shall be accessible through the state of Tennessee's Internet home page.
Acts 1997, ch. 341, § 1; 2011, ch. 263, § 1; 2011, ch. 268, § 1; 2012, ch. 727, § 4.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-117 - Missing children registry

(a)
The Tennessee bureau of investigation is authorized to create within the bureau a missing children registry. The registry shall contain pertinent information about, a picture of, and the current status of certain children in this state who have been reported missing.
(b)
The bureau shall have the sole discretion to determine the number of missing children to be placed on the registry, the criteria for placing a child on the registry and the definition of "missing child."
(c)
The bureau shall place, maintain and update the missing children registry on the state of Tennessee's internet home page.
(d)
When the Tennessee internet criminal information center is created within the bureau and becomes operational, the missing children registry shall become a part of such center.
(e)
The bureau shall update the missing children's web page to reflect that a missing child has been recovered.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 588,s 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
Acts 1997, ch. 342, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-119 - Protection and security for facilities, employees, and grounds - Powers - Instruction

(a)
The director shall have authority to commission Tennessee bureau of investigation (TBI) uniformed officers in order to protect and provide security for TBI facilities, employees, and grounds.
(b)
Such uniformed officers shall have full power to carry firearms and make arrests for any offenses under the laws of the state of Tennessee.
(c)
All TBI uniformed officers must successfully complete a prescribed basic law enforcement course of instruction at the Jerry F. Agee Tennessee law enforcement training academy or its equivalent.
Acts 2002, ch. 519, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-120 - Criminal history information compiled from intrastate sources - Fees

(a)
Criminal history information compiled by the Tennessee bureau of investigation (TBI) from intrastate sources shall be available on a priority basis to criminal justice agencies for criminal justice purposes free of charge. After providing the TBI with all known identifying information, persons in the private sector and noncriminal justice agencies may be provided criminal history information upon tender of fees as established in subsection (b), and in the manner prescribed by rule of the TBI. Such fees are to offset expenditures related to operational costs of the TBI. Any access to criminal history information by the private sector or noncriminal justice agencies as provided in this subsection (a) shall be assessed without regard to the quantity or category of criminal history record information requested. Fees may be reduced by the director of the TBI for good cause shown.
(b)
The fee per record for criminal history information provided pursuant to this section is twenty-nine dollars ($29.00) per name submitted.
Acts 2004, ch. 552, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-122 - Blue Alert system

(a)
There is established within the Tennessee bureau of investigation (TBI) the Blue Alert system. The purpose of the Blue Alert system is to provide a statewide system for the rapid dissemination of information to speed the apprehension of violent criminals who kill or seriously injure law enforcement officers and to aid in the location of missing law enforcement officers.
(b)
If the TBI receives a report that involves the death or serious injury of a law enforcement officer in which the suspect has not been apprehended or involves a law enforcement officer missing while in the line of duty under circumstances warranting concern for such law enforcement officer's safety, the TBI shall issue an alert providing for rapid dissemination of information statewide regarding such suspect or law enforcement officer, as appropriate. The TBI shall make every effort to disseminate the information as quickly as possible when the status of the suspect or missing law enforcement officer has been reported to a law enforcement agency.
(c)
The TBI shall adopt uniform guidelines and procedures for issuing an alert for such persons and shall provide education and training to encourage radio and television broadcasters to participate in the alert. The guidelines and procedures shall ensure that specific health information about any suspect or law enforcement officer is not made public through the alert or otherwise.
(d)
The TBI shall consult with the department of transportation and develop a procedure for the use of overhead permanent changeable message signs to provide information on a missing suspect or law enforcement officer meeting the criteria of this section when information is available that would enable motorists to assist in the recovery of the missing person. The TBI and the department of transportation shall develop guidelines for the content, length, and frequency of any message to be placed on an overhead permanent changeable message sign.
(e)
The TBI may use the statewide infrastructure of the America's Missing Broadcast Emergency Response (AMBER) Alert to the extent permissible to facilitate the Blue Alert system.
(f)
Any entity or individual involved in the dissemination of a Blue Alert generated pursuant to this section shall not be liable for any civil damages arising from such dissemination.
Acts 2011, ch. 190, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-123 - Inventory of sexual assault collection kits

(a)
As used in this section:
(1)
"Forensic medical examination" means an examination provided to the victim of a sexually-oriented criminal offense by a healthcare provider for the purpose of gathering and preserving evidence of a sexual assault for use in a court of law;
(2)
"Sexual assault collection kit" means a human biological specimen or specimens collected by a healthcare provider during a forensic medical examination from the victim of a sexually-oriented criminal offense; and
(3)
"Untested sexual assault collection kit" means a sexual assault collection kit that has not been submitted to the Tennessee bureau of investigation or a similar qualified laboratory for either a serology or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) test.
(b)
By July 1, 2014, all law enforcement agencies and departments charged with the maintenance, storage and preservation of sexual assault collection kits shall conduct an inventory of all such kits being stored by the agency or department.
(c)
By July 1, 2014, each law enforcement agency shall compile, in writing, a report containing the number of untested sexual assault collection kits in the possession of the agency or department and the date the sexual assault kit was collected. The report shall be transmitted to the Tennessee bureau of investigation.
(d)
By September 1, 2014, the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall prepare and transmit a report to the speaker of the senate and speaker of the house of representatives containing the number of untested sexual assault collection kits being stored by each county, by each law enforcement agency or department, and the date the untested kit was collected.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 733,s 1, eff. 4/22/2014.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-124 - Survey requesting information on best method for interfacing multiple computer databases to allow accessibility by patrolling police officers

The Tennessee bureau of investigation shall, with the assistance of the Tennessee association of chiefs of police, the Tennessee sheriffs' association and the county officials association of Tennessee, survey appropriate law enforcement agencies and clerks' offices for the specific purpose of requesting information as to the best method for interfacing multiple computer databases to allow accessibility by police officers while on patrol, thereby allowing officers when making a lawful stop to also serve outstanding court papers such as warrants, unserved civil process, orders of protection and restraining orders. On or before January 1, 2015, the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall submit the results of the survey to the judiciary committee of the senate and the civil and criminal justice committees of the house of representatives.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 856,s 1, eff. 4/30/2014.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-126 - Transfer of fire investigations section within fire prevention division of department of commerce and insurance to bureau of investigation

(a)
The fire investigations section within the fire prevention division of the department of commerce and insurance is transferred to the Tennessee bureau of investigation.
(b)
It is the intention of the general assembly that personnel, equipment, funding, duties, authority, and property transferred on May 24, 2019, be transferred no later than January 1, 2020.
(c)
The director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation will develop and implement a transfer plan. The plan must set forth the procedures under which transferred employees must be incorporated into the bureau.
(d)
The initial transfer of any preferred service employee pursuant to the transfer from the department of commerce and insurance to the Tennessee bureau of investigation must not result in any impairment, interruption, or diminution of employee rights, salary, benefits, leave accumulation, or employment. The commissioner of human resources may determine if there has been any impairment of rights, salary, benefits, leave accumulation, or employment as a result of the initial transfer. Any preferred service employee may seek redress of any such determination through a request for declaratory order by the commissioner of human resources pursuant to §
4-5-223
.
(e)
The bureau shall electronically transmit a summary stating the cause, origin, and the circumstances of each fire investigation to the state fire marshal and the local fire department in the jurisdiction where the fire occurred.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 487,s 1, eff. 5/24/2019.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-127 - Applicability of endangered child and young adult alert program to endangered person under 21 years of age

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary and for purposes of any endangered child and young adult alert program implemented by the Tennessee bureau of investigation that is distinct from the America's Missing Broadcast Emergency Response (AMBER) Alert system and that is used to notify local media about a missing child or young adult, along with any additional available information, such program shall be applied to a person who is undertwenty-five (25) years of age and who meets the criteria of being endangered, as established or determined by the bureau.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 837,s 1, eff. 5/1/2024.
Acts 2020, ch. 595, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-128 - Electronic tracking system for sexual assault evidence collection kits and hold kits

(a)
As used in this section, "forensic medical examination", "hold kit", "law enforcement agency", "sexual assault evidence collection kit", and "victim" have the same meaning as defined in §
39-13-519
.
(b)
The Tennessee bureau of investigation shall procure and implement an electronic system that tracks the location and laboratory analysis status of each sexual assault evidence collection kit and hold kit released to a law enforcement agency at the conclusion of a forensic medical examination on or after July 1, 2022.
(c)
The system must have the capacity to allow a victim to track by internet the location and status of the victim's sexual assault evidence collection kit by use of a tracking number provided to the victim by the law enforcement agency receiving the sexual assault evidence collection kit after the conclusion of the forensic medical examination. At any time, the victim must be able to use the tracking number by inputting the tracking number into an online system to determine the current location and laboratory analysis status of the victim's sexual assault evidence collection kit.
(d)
The Tennessee bureau of investigation shall create a written pamphlet explaining how to access and use the tracking system. The law enforcement agency described in subsection (c) must provide the pamphlet to the victim with the tracking number.
(e)
Records and information contained in the tracking system pursuant to this section are confidential and not a public record.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 362, s 10, eff. 5/11/2021.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 38 - PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME (§§ 38-1-101 — 38-14-101) › Chapter 6 - TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 38-6-NEW — 38-6-129) › Section 38-6-129 - Creation of course regarding the prosecution of crimes committed against children - Course requirements

(a)
The Tennessee bureau of investigation, the Tennessee district attorneys general conference, and other relevant parties at the request of the district attorneys general conference shall work in conjunction to implement a course or courses of instruction, composed of live instruction, telecommunication, video, or other medium, or any combination of methods, for the annual training of assistant district attorneys general and other staff members in the prosecution of crimes committed against children.
(b)
The course or courses of instruction must emphasize:
(1)
The dynamics of investigating crimes committed against children;
(2)
Appropriate investigative and communication techniques for crimes committed against children; and
(3)
Protection of victims.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 237, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023.