House Bill 58, sponsored by Hakeem, amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 38, Chapter 8, concerning the qualifications for law enforcement officers. The bill specifically revises the criteria for determining a candidate's moral character by deleting the previous language in subdivision (8) and replacing it with a requirement for a thorough investigation conducted by the employing agency. This new provision mandates that if the candidate has prior law enforcement experience, the employing agency must contact any previous law enforcement agency that employed the individual as part of the investigation process.
The bill aims to enhance the vetting process for law enforcement officers by ensuring that their moral character is assessed comprehensively, particularly for those with prior experience in the field. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law, emphasizing the importance of public welfare in the legislative process.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 38-8-106