Chance Carlton will be forever memorialized through legislation that seeks to recognize electrical linemen as first responders in the state of Tennessee.
On April 3, 2025, Chance Carlton, a 32-year-old lineman with Carroll County Electric Department, lost his life while responding during severe weather. He left behind his wife, Samantha, daughters Landry Jean and Ellsie Jo, and a community that knew him as a devoted husband, father, and faithful servant at his church.
After Chance’s services, Samantha began asking hard questions about what protections exist for linemen and their families. As she met with linemen, she made a promise to honor Chance by working to make their world better.
“We noticed that linemen are not recognized in the state of Tennessee as first responders,” Samantha wrote. “It is often misunderstood that they are already recognized as first responders.”
Those conversations led to outreach with State Rep. Brock Martin and the development of legislation now known as The Chance Carlton Bill.
On July 29, 2025, Samantha and her family were presented with a Congressional Recognition of Service for Chance by U.S. Rep. David Kustoff.
During that meeting, she shared the vision that would become HB 1464.
“The Chance Carlton Bill recognizes linemen as first responders in our state which opens up support to their families should they ever tragically find themselves where I stand,” Samantha wrote.
HB 1464 would officially recognize electrical linemen as first responders under Tennessee law.
The designation would provide families with an annual annuity of $50,000 for five years when a lineman is killed in the line of duty, along with access to support systems currently reserved for other first responder families.
The bill also acknowledges the risks linemen face daily, working with deadly equipment, at dangerous heights, and in severe weather conditions while responding during emergencies.
“Their jobs are crucial to every single person in our state,” Samantha said. “Nothing operates without them responding quickly, efficiently, and safely.”
The Chance Carlton Bill is now moving through the Tennessee General Assembly and needs public support.
Samantha Carlton has asked residents to contact their local representatives and express support for HB 1464 and SB 1907.
On behalf of Chance, their children, their family, and linemen across the state, she urged Tennesseans to speak up so that no family has to face loss without the recognition and support her family lacked.
To find your local representatives, visit www.capitol.tn.gov or call 1-800-449-8366. Tell them you support The Chance Carlton Bill.