Tennessee Code Annotated
Tenn. Code Ann. § 65-21-107 (2026)
Government messages
✓ current as of May 2026
- (a) In consideration of the right-of-way over public property pursuant to §§ 65-21-101 and 65-21-201, every telegraph or telephone corporation shall, in the case of war, insurrection, or civil commotion of any kind, and for the arrest of criminals, give immediate dispatch, at the usual rates of charge, to any message connected therewith of any officer of the state or of the United States.
- (b) Any officer or agent of a telegraph or telephone company who fails or refuses to carry out the provisions of subsection (a) commits a Class A misdemeanor.
Acts 1885, ch. 66, §§ 5, 6; 1907, ch. 134, § 1; Shan., §§ 1835, 1836, 2444a2; Code 1932, §§ 3099, 3100, 4057; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 65-2112, 65-2113; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 111.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 2
cases, 2004–2004 · leading case: Bellsouth Telecomm., Inc. v. City of Memphis, Tennessee, 160 S.W.3d 901 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2004).
Bellsouth Telecomm., Inc. v. City of Memphis, Tennessee, 160 S.W.3d 901 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2004). “and § 65-21-107 as amended). 21. Pursuant to Tennessee Acts of 1885, Chapter 66 (now codified at T.”
Bellsouth Telecomm., Inc. v. City of Memphis, Tennessee, No. CH-01-1351-3 (Tenn. Ct. App. July 12, 2004). “and § 65-21-107 as amended). ****************************************************** 21.”
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