Senator Ken Yager cosponsored legislation to protect police, strengthen accountability for public

 NASHVILLE, TN. (WLAF)- State Sen. Ken Yager (R-Kingston) is cosponsoring new legislation filed in response to troubling actions by Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell (D–Nashville), whose administration released sensitive information tied to federal immigration enforcement officers. Senate Bill 1464 establishes criminal penalties and removal mechanisms for any public official who compromises the safety of law enforcement officers or disrupts federal immigration enforcement efforts by releasing confidential operational information. It was recently filed by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R–Franklin) and Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R–Crossville). 

“Public officials have a duty to uphold immigration laws to keep our communities safe and protect brave law enforcement officers carrying out official duties,” said Yager. “Mayor O’Connell’s failure to protect sensitive information puts both public safety and the lives of law enforcement and their families at risk. This legislation ensures that public officials who undermine the rule of law are held accountable.”

SB 1464 will:

  • Make it a Class E felony for state or local officials to negligently release identifying information of officers involved in immigration enforcement;
  • Provide for ouster from office for those who violate the law;
  • Expand confidentiality protections under the Tennessee Public Records Act to cover undercover officers and sensitive enforcement activity;
  • Strengthen existing penalties for unauthorized disclosures of protected law enforcement information.

The legislation complements efforts of U. S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), who filed legislation in Congress to protect federal law enforcement officers from being targeted or harmed through the release of their personal information—commonly known as doxxing. 

SB 1464 will be formally considered during the 2026 legislative session. 

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 6/17/2025-6AM)

Related