Tennessee Seeks Data on Costs of Serving Unlawful Residents

New bill would require state to report annual costs for public schools, prisons, hospitals, and social services.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Tennessee legislature is considering a bill that would require the state's Department of Finance to report annually on the costs incurred by public institutions like schools and hospitals to provide services to people unlawfully living in the US. The bill, HB 1711, is an effort to expand on existing reporting requirements for law enforcement agencies regarding undocumented residents.

Why it matters

This proposed legislation is part of a broader push by Tennessee Republicans to crack down on illegal immigration, including bills that would require legal status for public benefits, driver's licenses, and professional licenses. Critics argue the bill scapegoats immigrants and diverts attention from real issues facing Tennesseans like underfunded schools and affordable healthcare.

The details

The bill would mandate the Department of Finance to report the annual costs incurred by the state for public schools, prisons, hospitals, and social services to provide benefits and services to people not lawfully present in the US. This data would be submitted to the governor and state legislative leaders each December 31st, starting in 2026.

  • The bill, HB 1711, was introduced in the Tennessee legislature in 2026.
  • The Department of Finance would be required to submit the first annual cost report by December 31, 2026.

The players

Rep. Elaine Davis

The Republican state representative from Knoxville who introduced HB 1711.

Sen. Dawn White

The Republican state senator from Murfreesboro who co-sponsored HB 1711.

Rep. Cameron Sexton

The Republican Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives who has supported cracking down on illegal immigration.

Lisa Sherman Luna

The executive director of the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition, which opposes the bill as anti-immigrant.

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What they’re saying

“Anti-immigrant bills like this are in direct opposition to the values we hold here in Tennessee, that regardless of where our neighbors were born, if you're making a life here and contributing to our communities, Tennessee is your home and you deserve safety, resources, and dignity.”

— Lisa Sherman Luna, Executive Director, Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (wsmv.com)

“We all support immigrants who have come here legally. However, if you are in Tennessee illegally, then you will be asked to provide legal status or referred to ICE. Whether you are seeking public benefits, government jobs, CDL licenses, or registering a vehicle. We are committed to protecting tax dollars, reducing fraud, and ending sanctuary loopholes.”

— Rep. Cameron Sexton, Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives (wsmv.com)

What’s next

The bill, HB 1711, still needs to pass the full Tennessee legislature before it can be signed into law by the governor.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation reflects Tennessee Republicans' continued push to crack down on illegal immigration, even as critics argue it scapegoats immigrants and diverts attention from more pressing issues facing the state. The debate over the bill highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration policy at the state level.