Tennessee bill could hold charities liable if migrants they house commit crimes

A new bill in the Tennessee legislature is stirring up controversy as it could potentially hold charitable organizations liable if they are housing an illegal migrant who commits a crime. House Bill 811, co-sponsored by Sen. Brent Taylor and Rep. Rusty Grills, both Republicans, aims to put pressure on organizations that are not turning in migrants.

Under the proposed bill, charitable organizations such as churches and homeless shelters would be held responsible for any loss, damages, injury, or death caused by a migrant who they knowingly house if the organization’s conduct in providing housing is deemed negligent, grossly negligent, or willfully and wantonly misconduct.

The leaders of these organizations have raised concerns about the bill, stating that it places an unfair burden on them. Rev. Enoch Fuzz, senior pastor of the Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville, believes that only the individual who committed the crime should be held accountable, not the organization providing shelter.

Despite the potential repercussions, Fuzz remains committed to helping those in need. He expressed his dedication to assisting people and emphasized that his primary focus is on providing aid and support, rather than enforcing immigration laws.

Sam Siple, Vice President for Development and Marketing at the Nashville Rescue Mission, echoed similar sentiments, stating that holding organizations liable would strain already limited resources. He emphasized that their goal is to provide a safe haven for individuals seeking refuge from the dangers of the streets, not to enforce immigration policies.

Grills and Taylor have indicated that they plan to amend the bill to provide clarity on its intentions and potentially expand the scope of liability. Grills emphasized that the primary goal of the bill is to deter criminal activity, rather than penalize organizations providing temporary housing for those in need.

As the debate over House Bill 811 continues, it remains to be seen how charitable organizations will navigate the potential legal implications of housing illegal migrants. The bill raises important questions about the intersection of immigration laws and the humanitarian efforts of organizations dedicated to helping those in need.