NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Greg Vital, R-Harrison, has secured passage of legislation ensuring qualified applicants are not permanently barred from certain public safety positions due to a single psychological evaluation. The Tennessee General Assembly has passed House Bill 2074, which allows individuals applying for positions that require a badge to seek a second psychological evaluation if they were not cleared during the initial assessment.
Co-sponsored in partnership with Sen. Adam Lowe, R-Calhoun, the legislation provides a pathway for reconsideration across a range of roles, from state park rangers to law enforcement officers. It does not require agencies to reconsider an employment decision, but it gives departments the discretion to do so if a second evaluation determines the applicant is fit for duty. House Bill 2074 also clarifies that psychological evaluations are part of an applicant’s employment file and ensures those records remain confidential and accessible only to the applicant.
“I’ve heard from several veterans and law enforcement officers across Tennessee who appreciate what this bill means,” said Vital. “The mental weight of serving in high-risk environments is real, and a single moment in time should not permanently close the door on someone who is otherwise capable of serving their community.”
Psychological evaluations are a standard part of the hiring process for public safety roles and are used nationwide to assess whether candidates are prepared to meet the mental demands of the job. Many law enforcement agencies are experiencing a 27% to 60% decline in recruits, making it increasingly important to maintain a strong pipeline of qualified applicants while upholding rigorous hiring standards.
House Bill 2074 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law and will take effect upon his signature.
Rep. Greg Vital represents District 29, which includes parts of Hamilton County. Rep. Vital serves on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the Commerce and Transportation Committee, as well as the Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee.
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