Senate Bill 2405, also known as House Bill 2157, establishes the Tennessee Safe Initiative Task Force, which is administratively linked to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). The task force is responsible for assessing when criminal activity poses a significant threat to public safety, warranting enhanced law enforcement efforts. It will comprise eight voting members, including key officials such as the TBI director and the commissioner of safety, with staggered terms that will last until between June 30, 2028, and June 30, 2030. The bill also allows the TBI to independently investigate certain criminal offenses and gang activities in specific jurisdictions, without needing a request from local law enforcement.

The bill outlines the task force's operational framework, including provisions for confidentiality during executive sessions and the requirement for the TBI director to notify relevant law enforcement officials before commencing operations. It clarifies definitions related to "criminal gang activities" and the "Memphis Safe Task Force," and establishes that the authority granted to TBI investigators remains in effect until a majority of task force members decide to rescind it. The new provisions will be effective until July 1, 2029, and the act will take effect upon becoming law for appointment purposes, with other provisions commencing on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 38-8-123(d)(2), 38-8-123
Amended with HA1055 -- 04/21/2026: 38-8-123(d)(2), 38-8-123, 38-6-102
Amended with HA1055, SA1098 -- 04/22/2026: 38-8-123(d)(2), 38-8-123, 38-6-102