Committee unanimously advances bill to recognize linemen as first responders after widow’s testimony

The State and Local Government Committee unanimously advanced HB1464 on March 11, a bill that would classify electrical linemen as first responders for purposes of the state’s death‑in‑line‑of‑duty annuity.

Representative Powers said his amendment (013794) renames the bill the Chance Carlton Act and explained that Tennessee Code §7‑51‑210 provides a five‑year annuity payment for estates of certain first responders who die in the line of duty. The amendment would extend that recognition to electrical linemen who face hazardous conditions restoring power.

Samantha Carlton, the widow of Chance Carlton, testified to the committee about her husband’s death while on duty last April. She described his faith and service and told members, “Chance died serving the people of Tennessee last April.” Her testimony drew sustained praise from committee members and visible emotion in the room.

Representative Powers said the change would ensure linemen who die while restoring power receive the same recognition and benefits as other first responders. Committee members asked whether the bill is retroactive; Samantha Carlton confirmed the measure would not apply retroactively and is intended for future incidents.

The committee voted 22‑0 to send HB1464 to Finance, Ways and Means.

(Outcome: HB1464 passed the committee unanimously and was referred to Finance, Ways and Means.)