Legislators File Bill To Allow First Responders To Live Where They Choose
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
State Senator Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) on Wednesday filed SB0029 which would allow first responders to live where they choose. The bill would ban residency requirements statewide for police officers and firefighters. Senator Kelsey says the bill is a matter of public safety and will allow police and fire departments to recruit top tier first responder candidates, regardless of where they live. The lawmaker says, in particular, it will help Tennessee address a deficit of police officers occurring throughout the country.
“This is a public safety bill. It will enable us to hire more police officers, which will help us fight our rising crime rates," said Senator Kelsey. "This bill will support our police and fire officers who keep us safe by allowing them to live where they choose."