NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee General Assembly unanimously approved legislation to ensure individuals in police custody receive necessary medical attention before being booked into jail.
House Bill 1815/Senate Bill 1724, by State Rep. Lowell Russell, R-Vonore, and State Sen. Tom Hatcher, R-Maryville, authorizes sheriffs and jail staff to refuse or delay intake if someone is clearly injured or in need of urgent medical care.
“When someone is injured, their health must come first,” Russell said. “This legislation ensures people get the care they need while also protecting law enforcement from unsafe situations. It creates a clearer, safer process for everyone involved.”
The bill requires the arresting agency to obtain a medical evaluation before transfer and to provide documentation explaining why the intake was delayed. It also ensures that the jail accepts the person once cleared by a health care provider.
“Our jail officials should not be put in a position where they are forced to take in individuals with serious medical needs without proper treatment,” Hatcher said. “This bill provides clarity, protects our officers and ensures responsibility remains with the arresting agency until an individual is medically cleared.”
The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Lowell Russell represents District 21 in the Tennessee House of Representatives which includes part of Loudon and Monroe counties.
Tom Hatcher represents Senate District 2 which includes Blount, Monroe, Polk and part of Bradley counties.
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