Bill > HB0449

This bill amends Tennessee law to modify voting rights for individuals with criminal convictions, making it easier for people who have been convicted of an "infamous crime" to regain their right to vote. Specifically, the bill removes previous restrictions that required individuals to pay restitution, court costs, or child support before regaining voting rights. Under the new provisions, a person's right to vote is restored automatically upon completion of their sentence (including incarceration, probation, or parole), with some exceptions for specific serious crimes like first-degree murder, aggravated rape, treason, and voter fraud. The bill streamlines the voting rights restoration process by allowing individuals to obtain a certificate of voting rights restoration from various authorities (such as wardens, parole officers, or pardoning authorities) and simplifies the voter registration process. Additionally, the bill requires the department of correction to regularly communicate with the secretary of state about individuals newly eligible to vote, ensuring that those who have completed their sentences can more easily re-engage in the democratic process. The changes aim to reduce barriers to voting for people with prior criminal convictions while maintaining restrictions for those convicted of the most serious offenses.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0449&ga=114