Bill > HB0616

This bill modifies Tennessee's laws regarding voting rights for individuals with criminal convictions, making several key changes to restore and clarify voting eligibility. The legislation removes previous barriers to voting rights restoration, such as requirements to pay restitution or child support, and allows individuals convicted of most infamous crimes to regain their right to vote upon completion of their sentence. Specifically, the bill stipulates that a person convicted of an infamous crime (with some exceptions like first-degree murder, aggravated rape, treason, and voter fraud) becomes eligible to vote once they are no longer imprisoned, on parole, or on probation. The bill introduces a new process for voting rights restoration, including the issuance of a certificate of voting rights restoration by correctional authorities, and requires the department of corrections to regularly communicate with the secretary of state about newly eligible voters. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that monetary obligations cannot prevent a person from regaining voting rights and simplifies the voter registration process for individuals who have completed their sentences. The bill aims to make the voting rights restoration process more accessible and straightforward for individuals with prior criminal convictions.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0616&ga=114