(NASHVILLE) — House Republicans have unanimously passed an initiative sponsored by State Representative Bill Dunn (R-Knoxville) that addresses fraudulent claims against the citizens of Tennessee.
House Bill 1772 places an emphasis on public officials who are regularly targeted. This includes city and county mayors, police officers, county deputies, state troopers, and other government officials. The measure is designed to streamline the process for contesting bogus liens on real property that lack any legal basis.
Currently, anyone can file a lien against a property owner in Tennessee by simply filling out an online form. Removing such claims can take years and cripple an individual’s credit report.
According to the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Office, more than $2 billion in bogus claims have been filed against public officials in recent years. Last year alone, 11 East Tennessee residents were indicted by a grand jury for bringing fraudulent liens against this specific group.
House Bill 1772 — which passed by a 97-0 vote tally — mirrors Republican-led legislation passed during the 2017 legislative session that was designed to better protect those who are called upon to serve.
“Our public officials give of their time and talents to serve our residents and to make Tennessee the envy of our entire nation,” said Representative Dunn. “I am pleased that House Bill 1772 better protects them and all of our citizens while curbing instances of fraud.”
For more information about House Bill 1772, please click here.
Bill Dunn serves as Chairman of the House Calendar & Rules Committee. He is also a member of the House Transportation and House Education Instructions & Programs Committees, as well as the House Education Instruction & Program Subcommittee. Dunn lives in Knoxville and represents House District 16 which includes part of Knox County. He can be reached by email at[email protected] or by calling (615) 741-1721.