MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — State Representative Tim Rudd, who represents Rutherford County, is proposing new legislation aimed at addressing what he describes as a non-organic influx of homeless individuals into Murfreesboro. The proposal, House Bill 1671, appears to target practices that allegedly involve relocating unhoused individuals from larger metropolitan areas into surrounding communities, including Rutherford County.

Rudd said the issue first came to his attention through conversations with local homeless advocates who assist individuals experiencing homelessness in Murfreesboro. According to the representative, those advocates began reporting an unusual increase in unfamiliar faces seeking food, shelter, and services…

Seeking clarification, WGNS asked Rudd whether private organizations, businesses, or the Metro Nashville government were responsible for transporting unhoused individuals from Davidson County into Murfreesboro...

Rudd explained that the concerns were not driven by speculation, but by firsthand observations from organizations providing daily outreach and support services. He said those advocates noticed a consistent pattern of individuals arriving without local ties and in immediate need of assistance…

If passed, Rudd said the bill would establish statewide protections to prevent jurisdictions from shifting responsibility for homelessness onto neighboring communities. He said the legislation would send a clear message that such practices would no longer be permitted anywhere in Tennessee…

House Bill 1671 would prohibit local governmental entities from relocating homeless individuals unless the move is coordinated with and approved by the receiving jurisdiction. The bill authorizes the Tennessee Attorney General to pursue civil penalties against entities found in violation. It would also allow the receiving city or county to seek damages and injunctive relief if individuals are relocated without consent or coordination.

In the Tennessee Senate, the companion measure—Senate Bill 1788—is sponsored by Shane Reeves, who also represents Rutherford County. The Senate version of the legislation passed on second consideration. Now, both bills have been assigned to the Cities & Counties Subcommittee for further consideration.

Supporters of the bill argue it protects local governments and nonprofits from being overwhelmed by uncoordinated relocations, while critics are expected to raise concerns about enforcement of the bill.

But the bigger picture is that transferring homeless individuals from one city to another is not a solution and instead places additional burdens on both the individuals being relocated and the receiving city, ultimately impacting local taxpayers.

As the bill moves through the legislative process, it is expected to generate debate across Middle Tennessee, particularly among cities already struggling to balance compassion, available resources, and fiscal responsibility.