Bill > SB0594

This bill modifies Tennessee's laws regarding voting rights for individuals with criminal convictions, making several key changes to restore voting privileges more easily. Specifically, the bill allows people convicted of an "infamous crime" (a legal term typically referring to serious felonies) to have their voting rights restored automatically upon completion of their sentence, without requiring additional steps like paying restitution or obtaining a full rights restoration. The legislation removes previous barriers that prevented individuals from voting while owing monetary obligations and clarifies that a person's voting rights are only suspended during active incarceration, probation, or parole. However, the bill maintains permanent voting ineligibility for individuals convicted of certain serious crimes such as first-degree murder, aggravated rape, treason, and voter fraud. The bill also establishes a process for individuals to obtain a certificate of voting rights restoration, which can be used to register to vote, and requires the Department of Correction to regularly communicate with the Secretary of State about newly eligible voters. The changes aim to make the voting rights restoration process more accessible and straightforward for individuals who have completed their criminal sentences.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0594&ga=114