House Bill 1711 is part of a comprehensive illegal immigration legislative package proposed by Tennessee Republicans to enforce existing laws, protect taxpayers and close sanctuary loopholes.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Elaine Davis, R-Knoxville, has proposed legislation to strengthen reporting on illegal immigration and hold government officials accountable if they fail to comply with the law.
House Bill 1711 is part of a comprehensive illegal immigration legislative package proposed by Tennessee Republicans to enforce existing laws, protect taxpayers and close sanctuary loopholes.
“Illegal immigration not only undermines the law, but places massive and unsustainable costs on Tennessee taxpayers,” Davis said. “Weak enforcement and inconsistent reporting by some local governments allow abuses to go unchecked. This legislation brings transparency, accountability and ensures government officials do their jobs while protecting the interests of hardworking Tennesseans.”
The bill would require law enforcement agencies and local governments to submit quarterly reports to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding criminal and civil violations committed by illegal immigrants, including gang activity and those detained for entering or staying in the country illegally.
Since current law does not mandate reporting to state or federal officials, it has led to non-compliance by some local governments and limited transparency on the illegal immigration crisis for lawmakers and taxpayers.
This bill also requires the state to track and provide annual reports detailing the cost of public services provided to illegal immigrants including K-12 education, public higher education institutions, prisons, hospitals and social services.
The proposal makes it a Class A misdemeanor for any government employee or public official who knowingly fails to comply with the reporting requirements.
Tennessee taxpayers are footing about $971 million annually to provide education, health care, law enforcement and correctional services to illegal immigrants, according to a 2023 report by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).
Elaine Davis represents District 18 in the Tennessee House of Representatives which includes part of Knox County.
###