Tennessee Code Title 6. Cities and Towns § 6-54-129

(a) Prior to employment with a municipality, the municipality may require all persons to:

(b) Any costs incurred by the Tennessee bureau of investigation or the federal bureau of investigation, as appropriate, in conducting such investigations of applicants shall be paid by the municipality requesting such investigation and information; provided, that the municipality may require an applicant to pay such costs if the applicant is offered and accepts a position with such municipality. Payment of such costs is to be made in accordance with § 38-6-103.

(c) A municipality may establish the job titles or classifications to which the requirements of this section apply; provided, however, that such classifications shall not supersede any mandatory fingerprint-based criminal history background requirements that may be applicable for any person who is seeking employment in a position in any program subject to licensure, approval or certification by any state agency.