Bills We're Watching This Legislative Session

The Tennessee General Assembly reconvened last month, and (though Winter Storm Fern delayed some sessions) several bills relating to housing and homelessness have been filed so far. Here is a guide to some of the bills we're keeping an eye on:

HB1802/SB1847, Deadly Force Bill: Allows a property owner to use deadly force “to prevent or terminate” someone’s “actual or attempted trespass.”

Impact: Negative

• Why we're concerned: This bill could have devastating consequences for people experiencing homelessness who have nowhere else to go. It devalues human life and encourages a “shoot now, ask later” mentality that makes us all less safe.

HB1662/SB1749, Felony Trespass Bill: Increases the penalty for certain kinds of trespass from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony if during the trespass, a property owner “uses or displays a firearm in self-defense.”

Impact: Negative

• Why we're concerned: Someone’s charges shouldn’t be determined by the reaction of another. When communities across Tennessee lack adequate shelter and housing options, punishing someone’s need to exist is cruel and misguided. Felony convictions prevent people from rebuilding their lives and obtaining employment and housing.

HB2346/SB2628, Fair Background Check Bill: Prevents consumer reporting agencies from reporting certain non-convictions to employers, landlords, or licensing agencies until the charge results in a guilty or plea verdict.

Impact: Positive

HB2235/SB2506, Tennessee Fair Chance Housing Act: Prohibits discrimination in housing as it relates to past criminal history.

Impact: Positive

• How these bills would help: Both the Fair Background Check Bill and the Tennessee Fair Chance Housing Act are important steps toward ensuring that Tennesseans don’t face discrimination for their past and aren’t barred from employment or housing because of dismissed charges.

HB2249/SB2497, Safe Spaces Bill: Prohibits ICE from entering into and conducting law enforcement activities in a hospital, physician's office, or shelters in Tennessee.

Impact: Positive

HB2421/SB2656, Homelessness Study Bill: Directs TACIR to conduct a study into combatting the rise of homelessness in Tennessee.

Impact: Positive

HB2340/SB2516, Housing Study Bill: Encourages municipalities to study and assess housing affordability and inventory availability, and to adopt a pattern book for the purposes of encouraging the construction of medium-density housing.

Impact: Positive

Stay tuned on our Instagram and Facebook for more information and calls to action through the rest of this legislative session. At the Housing For All Day on the Hill on February 24th, we'll come together with advocates from all across Tennessee to educate our legislators on issues of housing, homelessness, and tenants' rights. Click here to learn more!