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Senate adopts Capitol Hill protection zone bill to clarify concurrent law‑enforcement jurisdiction
Summary
House Bill 15‑04, adopted by the Senate, defines a Capitol Hill protection zone and clarifies concurrent jurisdiction for state law enforcement and local agencies to improve security around the Capitol complex; sponsors framed it as a safety measure for visitors and school groups.
The Tennessee Senate adopted House Bill 15‑04 on third reading to establish a defined Capitol Hill protection zone encompassing the State Capitol Complex and surrounding state office buildings and grounds and to clarify that state law enforcement officers assigned by the commissioner of safety have concurrent jurisdiction with local law enforcement within that zone. Leader Johnson argued the change would ensure consistent security practices and help protect school groups, tour groups and other visitors to the capital.
Opponents pressed the sponsor about scope and investigatory authority. Senator Yarborough warned the bill “expands powers in a significant way by allowing for the investigation of crime,” and asked whether the changes would authorize investigations into any crimes with a nexus to the zone or only those affecting state facilities. Leader Johnson responded that the bill does not micromanage which agency investigates particular offenses and emphasized cooperation between state troopers, TBI and local departments.
Senator Campbell voiced civil‑liberty concerns, saying the legislation could chill speech and “turn into a little bit of a police state.” Sponsor Johnson and backers repeatedly described the aim as safety for visiting children and ‘‘to make sure that it's safe’’. The bill was recorded as passed by the clerk (Aye 27, Nay 6).
