Bill > SB0133

This bill requires the Tennessee coordinator of elections to create two secure electronic portals by January 1, 2028, to verify voter eligibility: one for checking United States citizenship and another for checking felony conviction status. For citizenship verification, county election administrators will use a portal developed in collaboration with the Department of Safety to confirm an applicant's citizenship by cross-referencing driver's license or identification card records. For felony conviction verification, administrators will use a portal developed with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to determine if an applicant is ineligible to vote due to a prior felony conviction. The bill also mandates that the Department of Safety issue temporary driver licenses to lawful permanent residents to aid in voter eligibility determination. Both portals will have strict protocols for use, including confidentiality requirements, procedures for handling unclear or multiple records, and penalties for misuse. If an application is rejected based on portal information, the administrator must provide written notice to the applicant with appeal rights. The bill is intended to be funded by federal grants and includes provisions ensuring that if any part of the law is found invalid, the remaining provisions can still be enforced. These measures aim to enhance the accuracy and integrity of voter registration in Tennessee.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0133&ga=114