Bill > SB1119

This bill amends Tennessee law to provide a pathway for individuals who owe child support to regain their voting rights. Specifically, the bill allows people who are not current on child support obligations to apply for a voter registration card and have their voting rights provisionally restored if they enter into a payment plan to address their unpaid 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 give the individual an opportunity to be heard or submit proof of financial inability to pay. The secretary of state, in coordination with the department of human services and administrative office of the courts, is authorized to create rules to implement this process. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to persons applying for a voter registration card on or after that date. This legislation aims to balance child support enforcement with the fundamental right to vote by offering a structured approach for individuals to regain their voting rights while addressing their financial obligations.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1119&ga=114