Tenn. Code Ann. § 41-1-124: Terms of release of out-of-state prisoner incarcerated in Tennessee

(a) For the purposes of this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "out-of-state prisoner" means a person incarcerated in a correctional facility within this state on behalf of a state other than Tennessee or a governmental entity whose jurisdiction is outside of Tennessee. "Out-of-state prisoner" does not include a person incarcerated on behalf of an Indian tribe or on behalf of the United States.

(b) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the commissioner of correction shall not accept an out-of-state prisoner for incarceration within any prison or facility operated by the department unless the sending state contractually agrees to return, and to pay the full costs of returning, the prisoner to the sending state prior to the prisoner's release from incarceration, or arrangements for release in some place other than the sending state are made in accordance with the Interstate Corrections Compact, compiled in chapter 23, part 1 of this title.