Bill > HB1053

This bill modifies Tennessee's voting rights restoration process for individuals with unpaid child support obligations. Currently, people cannot apply for a voter registration card if they are not current on child support payments. The bill introduces a new provision allowing individuals to provisionally restore their voting rights by entering into a payment plan for their outstanding child support. If a person willfully fails to adhere to the payment plan, the court can revoke their provisional voting rights, but must first provide court-appointed counsel and an opportunity for the individual to explain their financial situation or prove financial hardship. The bill requires the secretary of state, in consultation with the department of human services and administrative office of the courts, to create rules for implementing these changes. These new voting rights restoration rules will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to individuals applying for a voter registration card on or after that date, potentially helping people with child support debt to regain their right to vote while maintaining accountability for their financial obligations.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1053&ga=114