Powers seeks financial support for families of fallen linemen

Electrical linemen killed in line of duty families would benefit from Rep. Dennis Powers legislation

NASHVILLE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)– State Rep. Dennis Powers, R-Jacksboro, has proposed legislation to support families of electrical linemen who are killed in the line of duty. 

The Chance Carlton Act would add electrical linemen to the list of first responders whose families are eligible to receive $250,000 in payments over a five-year period to help ease financial burdens following their loved one’s death.

“Whether it’s the middle of the night, a holiday, or the height of a storm, linemen always answer the call to keep our communities running,” Powers said. “They work in dangerous, unpredictable conditions, often when others are told to stay off the roads. When tragedy strikes, their families deserve the same support we provide to other public servants who risk their lives for us every day.”

Tennessee currently provides this benefit to families of law enforcement officers, firefighters and volunteer rescue squad members.

Chance Carlton, a 32-year-old from Carroll County, died last April while working to restore power following a severe storm, leaving behind a wife and two young daughters.

Under the proposal, the estate of any electrical lineman employed by or contracted with a local government in Tennessee who is killed in the line of duty would be eligible to receive these payments.

If enacted, the legislation would take effect on July 1 and apply to work-related deaths occurring on or after that date. 

House Bill 1464 was heard in the Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on March 18 and was placed behind the budget to be considered at a later date. 

Dennis Powers represents District 36 in the Tennessee House of Representatives which includes Campbell, Union and part of Claiborne counties. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-03/19/2026-6AM)