Tennessee § 68-120-109 - Abatement of violations.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-120-109 — Abatement of violations., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 68-120-109. Abatement of violations.
The imposition of penalties prescribed in this section do not preclude the state fire marshal from proceeding in accordance with § 68-102-117 or other provisions of chapter 102, part 1 of this title, for the purpose of preventing an unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion, maintenance or use, or to restrain, correct or abate a violation, or to prevent the occupancy of a building, structure or premises, or to prevent illegal business or use in or about any premises. This section is applicable to public elementary or secondary schools, and to county or municipal jails. When the state fire marshal finds that a public elementary or secondary school or county or municipal jail contains serious life safety hazards, life-threatening conditions, or potentially hazardous violations, the state fire marshal shall notify the responsible local officials in writing. The notification shall include: A list of the discovered deficiencies according to their relative seriousness; and A requirement that the local officials submit a plan for the correction of such deficiencies within sixty (60) days after receipt of such notification, or such longer period of time as may be granted by the state fire marshal. The state fire marshal shall establish a priority list for the correction of such deficiencies to meet state standards. The state fire marshal shall assist the local officials in establishing and implementing the plan based on such priority list subject to subdivisions (b)(3) and (4). If the plan submitted by the local officials is approved by the state fire marshal, the state fire marshal shall assist them in implementing the plan. If the plan submitted by the local officials is rejected by the state fire marshal, the local officials may file a petition for appeal of the state fire marshal's decision in accordance with § 68-120-403 [repealed], to the board of appeals for schools and jails. Except where an immediate threat to the safety of the occupants requires emergency action, the state fire marshal may not institute proceedings to close a public elementary or secondary school or county or municipal jail, unless the state fire marshal furnishes the written notice required by subdivision (b)(1) and the responsible local officials: Submit no plan for correction of the cited deficiencies within the allotted time; Fail to carry out the terms of an approved plan; Do not timely file a petition for appeal of the state fire marshal's rejection of their proposed plan; or Timely file a petition for appeal of the state fire marshal's rejection of their proposed plan, and the board of appeals for schools and jails disposes of the petition in the state fire marshal's favor. Acts 1947, ch. 211, § 30; C. Supp. 1950, § 5717.30; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 53-2542; Acts 1985, ch. 192, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 68-18-109 . Compiler's Notes. Former § 68-120-403 . referred to in this section, was repealed by Acts 2005, ch. 351, § 2, effective July 1, 2005. Former title 68, ch. 18, parts 1-4 were transferred to title 68, ch. 120, parts 1-4 in 1992. See the parallel reference table in § 68-120-101 for the former and new section locations.
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 68-120-109
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-120-109 cover?
Section 68-120-109 ("Abatement of violations.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 68-120-109?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-120-109" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 68-120-109 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.