Action Alert: The PEACE Act Isn’t About Peace

AMAC
Apr 16
3 min read

What HB 55 / SB 30 Means for Our Rights and Why We Must Act Before April 17

In today’s political climate—marked by rising attacks on immigrant and pro-Palestinian voices—we cannot support legislation that threatens to further criminalize our communities. Many Tennesseans, especially those who are Muslim, Black, immigrant, or outspoken in support of Palestinian rights, are already living in fear. Historically, vague and overbroad laws like this have been used to surveil, target, and detain people without cause.

The amended version of HB 55 / SB 30 does not remove its most harmful elements. It still includes the HALO provision, which limits how close the public can be to law enforcement during “active operations.” This has serious implications for our civil liberties. In recent months, bystander video footage has been crucial in identifying masked officers involved in the unlawful detention of pro-Palestinian advocates. If this bill passes, community members could be punished simply for documenting law enforcement actions in public spaces.

This is why the Protestor Events Affecting Community Enforcement Act, also known as the PEACE Act (HB 55 / SB 30) must be stopped.

The bill is scheduled for review before the Finance, Ways & Means House Subcommittee at 8:00 AM on Thursday, April 17.

What the PEACE Act Would Actually Do

HB 55 / SB 30 would significantly expand police discretion and criminal penalties during public demonstrations. If passed, this bill would:

Criminalizes Peaceful Protests and Free Speech
- Sections 1 & 2: The bill expands the definition of littering to include distributing unsolicited flyers or materials without permission. This vague language could be used to criminalize leafleting, handing out protest signs, or sharing political information in public. Peaceful protests and public advocacy can be unfairly targeted.
Increases Risk of Racial Profiling
- Section 4: Law enforcement would be allowed to request someone's name based on a vague standard of “reasonable suspicion”. If the person refuses or gives a false name they could be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. This kind of vague enforcement power often leads to racial profiling, harassment, and unnecessary escalations.
Limits Public Oversight of Police
- Section 5: The bill would make it a Class B misdemeanor to approach within 25 feet of a law enforcement officer after being told to stop - regardless of whether there is a threat. This could be used to stop people from filming or observing police interactions in public spaces, reducing transparency and making it harder to hold police officers accountable.
Expands Arrest Powers
- Sections 8 & 9: Police would be allowed to arrest someone for a misdemeanor even if they didn't witness it firsthand, so long as there is “probable cause”. This significantly broadens police authority, increasing likelihood of wrongful or retaliatory arrests and further burdening already strained court systems - especially in over-policed neighborhoods.

This vague and sweeping legislation puts our community and allies at greater risk.

Who This Hurts Most

History shows that laws expanding police discretion are used first and most aggressively against marginalized groups. The PEACE Act is no exception.

Youth-led climate protests
Black led marches
Muslim community advocacy efforts
Immigrant and refugee rights rallies
Interfaith vigils
Labor union picket lines and strikes

Any movement challenging power, no matter how peaceful, could be criminalized under this law.

Act Now

Initially placed “behind the budget,” HB 55 is now scheduled for review on:

Date: Thursday, April 17
Time: 8:00 AM Central
Committee: House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee

This means the bill is active and will be heard unless we raise our voices to stop it. This committee must hear from us. Here’s how you can help.

Call House Subcommittee Members

"Hello, my name is [Your Name]. I’m a resident of [Your City or County]. I urge you to vote NO on HB 55, the PEACE Act, during Thursday’s hearing. This bill puts peaceful Tennesseans at risk and gives police too much power over our rights. Please vote NO."

Email Subcommittee Members

Dear Representative [Last Name],

As a Tennessean, I am deeply concerned about HB 55, the so-called PEACE Act. This bill threatens the right to peaceful protest, increases the risk of abuse by law enforcement, and will disproportionately harm marginalized communities. I strongly urge you to vote NO on April 17 during the subcommittee hearing.

Thank you for your public service.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your City or District]

The bill will be reviewed by the Finance, Ways & Means House Subcommittee. Contact the members: