The measure would ban residency requirements for police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services workers.
Author: Dalisa Robles (WBIR)
Updated: 12:31 PM EST March 4, 2021
TENNESSEE, USA — On Thursday, the Tennessee State Senate voted to approve Senate Bill 29 which would allow first responders to live where they choose.
The measure, sponsored by State Senator Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown), would ban residency requirements for police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services workers. This bill as amended does not affect Hamilton County, officials said.
Kelsey explained that 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 said that it will help the state address a deficit of police officers occurring throughout the country.