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House advances measure widening who may request TBI investigations after floor debate
Summary
The Tennessee House passed House Bill 2157 after rivals clashed over whether an appointed task force could improperly direct Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) operations. Sponsors said the bill expands the pool of officials who may request TBI probes; critics warned it could undermine TBI independence.
The Tennessee House on April 21 passed House Bill 2157, a measure that supporters say expands who may petition the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to investigate alleged crimes. Leader Lambert moved the bill on third and final reading after committee adoption of the House Judiciary Committee amendment.
Opponents, including Representative Clintons, said the bill would allow an appointed task force to direct TBI operations "overriding the judgment of local law enforcement officials," and argued the change runs counter to the agency's original design as an independent investigative body. "By giving an appointed task force the ability to direct the operations of the TBI, we're really undermining the very intent and the original design of this organization," Clintons told the chamber.
Supporters responded that the bill does not remove local safeguards but simply enables chiefs or sheriffs, in addition to district attorneys, to ask the TBI to investigate matters where a district attorney declines to act. A sponsor said the change would "shine a little sunshine" by enabling investigations where local authorities might otherwise decline. Committee amendment number one was adopted on the floor; the bill received a constitutional majority and passed.
Next steps: With passage in the House, the measure proceeds under the legislative calendar process (journal reflects passage with objections). No additional executive or funding details were stated on the floor.
