SB1651

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 38 and Title 68, Chapter 102, Part 3, relative to local funding of public safety departments.

Introduced·1/14/26

SB1651 amends Tennessee law to prioritize funding for county-wide volunteer fire departments.

SB1651 amends Tennessee Code to prioritize funding for county-wide volunteer fire departments. It mandates that county governing bodies allocate funds to volunteer fire departments, ensuring they receive at least the same level of funding as the sheriff's department. The bill also specifies that these departments must be recognized by the state fire marshal's office and classified by the Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System. The changes take effect July 1, 2026.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
Finance, Ways and Means Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

0
4
RRRR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

SENATE STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE: Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee

5 Yea

RRRRR

3 Nay

RRD

Calendar

Mar 17

8:45 AM

Senate Revenue Subcommittee Of Finance, Ways & Means Hearing

Mar 10

8:30 AM

Senate Finance, Ways And Means Hearing

History

Mar 20

Senate

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee

Mar 17

Senate

Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee

Mar 13

Senate

Sponsor(s) Added.