1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

Vote “NO” on SB 30/HB 55. This bill would make it a crime to approach law enforcement within 25 feet after being told to stop, limiting the public’s ability to record and hold officers accountable. The bill includes no exceptions for media or bystanders engaged in the non-confrontational recording of law enforcement, verbal attempts to deescalate an officer’s excessive use of force in order to save lives or attempts to render aid and medical assistance to an already defenseless injured individual from further unnecessary violent actions by law enforcement. Similar legislation in states like Florida has faced backlash for blocking the public’s right to record police – something courts nationwide have said is protected.