Tennessee Bill Plans Liability for Charities Housing Undocumented Migrants

Tennessee lawmakers have introduced House Bill 811, which would hold charitable organizations, including churches and homeless shelters, legally responsible if undocumented migrants they house commit crimes. The bill aims to deter organizations from knowingly sheltering undocumented individuals, allowing victims to sue these nonprofits for damages. Critics, including Reverend Enoch Fuzz and Sam Siple from the Nashville Rescue Mission, argue that this legislation unfairly penalizes organizations for the actions of individuals and could strain resources needed to support vulnerable populations. Proponents of the bill, like Rep. Rusty Grills, assert that it is designed to prevent crime rather than criminalize humanitarian efforts. The bill's language may be amended for clarity regarding the extent of liability, particularly concerning long-term versus short-term housing. Concerns are growing that the legislation could undermine trust between nonprofits and the communities they serve.