Chance Carlton Act Signed Into Law

NASHVILLE (June 4) — Governor Bill Lee signed the Chance Carlton Act, a bill that officially considers electrical linemen as first responders, into law on Thursday.

Named after a Carroll County lineman who died in April 2025 while working to restore power following a severe storm, the Chance Carlton Act groups electrical linemen with law enforcement officers, firefighters and volunteer rescue squad members in the event of a work-related death.

Under this act, a lineman’s family can receive an annual annuity of $50,000 for five years to help ease financial burdens following their loved one’s death.

The act defines an “electrical lineman” as an individual who A) installs, maintains or repairs electrical transmission and power distribution systems; and B) is employed by a municipality, county, utility district or other local governmental entity.

Chance Carlton, an employee for the Carroll County Electric Department, was 32 years old at the time of his death. He left behind a wife, Samantha, and two young daughters, Landry and Ellsie.

Samantha, Landry and Ellsie Carlton joined Gov. Lee Thursday as he signed the bill into law. Also in attendance were some of Carlton’s fellow linemen from the Carroll County Electric Department.

“What a way for Chance to live on and impact the lives of those after him,” Samantha Carlton said. “What a way to happily continue serving my husband. May our daughters look back at this and know that the hard thing isn’t always hard to do.”

The Chance Carlton Act takes effect July 1, 2026, and will apply to work-related deaths occurring on or after that date.