Legislation supports shelters, protects homeless Tennesseans
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee House of Representatives recently passed legislation by State Rep. Tim Rudd, R-Murfreesboro, to support homeless Tennesseans by ensuring adequate housing and support services before being relocated to a new city.
House Bill 1671 will prohibit local governments from relocating homeless people to another jurisdiction without written consent from the receiving municipality. The proposal also allows relocations if the municipality has a program for reuniting individuals with their place of origin.
“Communities like Murfreesboro have faced growing challenges as homeless individuals are transported to local shelters without clear coordination,” Rudd said. “This legislation implements common-sense safeguards to protect charitable organizations while ensuring vulnerable Tennesseans get the support they deserve. These changes strengthen our commitment to caring for those in need by creating a more unified system and preventing people from falling through the cracks.”
House Bill 1671 prohibits the use of public funds for relocation unless the receiving jurisdiction verifies that it has available housing and other necessary services, or if the relocation is through an established reunification program. The legislation clarifies that these local government programs could reunite homeless individuals with their place of origin only when proof of substantial ties exists.
Jurisdictions impacted by violations of this measure could seek damages and injunctive relief against the local government that improperly relocated individuals. Law enforcement is exempt from this measure.
House Bill 1671 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk. It will immediately take effect upon the governor’s signature.
State Rep. Tim Rudd lives in Murfreesboro and represents District 34 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Rutherford County.