NASHVILLE — The Chance Carlton Bill is now Tennessee law.
Governor Bill Lee signed the bill into law Thursday, June 5, completing a journey that began in grief and ended in the halls of state government.
Samantha Carlton, Chance’s widow, was joined by Carroll County Electric Department linemen and their families at the Governor’s office for the signing.
The act takes effect July 1, 2026. It officially recognizes electrical linemen as first responders in the state of Tennessee and provides an annual annuity of $50,000 for five years to the family of a lineman who dies in the line of duty during a declared state of emergency.
Carlton was 32 years old when he lost his life in April 2025 while restoring power in Carroll County following a severe storm. He left behind Samantha and two young daughters, Landry and Ellsie.
Samantha Carlton said the bill, while it carries Chance’s name, was always about the men standing beside her at the signing and their families.
“These men risk their lives every time they leave their homes,” she said. “It has Chance’s name on it, but these men and their families are the ones this bill was and is for.”
She credited the countless supporters who prayed, shared posts, called and emailed legislators throughout the months-long process.
“It couldn’t have been done without you,” she said.
