Bill > HB1395

This bill amends Tennessee law to make it easier for individuals with felony convictions (referred to as "infamous crimes") to restore their voting rights. The key changes include automatically restoring voting rights upon completion of a person's sentence, without requiring additional steps like paying restitution or court costs, obtaining a full pardon, or restoring all citizenship rights. The bill specifies that a person convicted of an infamous crime is only ineligible to vote while currently imprisoned, on probation, or on parole, with some exceptions for specific serious crimes like first-degree murder, aggravated rape, treason, and voter fraud. The legislation requires state correction departments to regularly communicate with election officials about individuals newly eligible to vote, and creates a streamlined process for obtaining a voter registration card. Individuals can now receive a certificate of voting rights restoration from various authorities (such as wardens, parole officers, or pardoning authorities) that serves as proof of voting eligibility. The bill aims to reduce barriers to voting for people who have completed their criminal sentences, ensuring they can more easily re-engage in the democratic process. The changes apply to convictions in Tennessee, federal courts, and other states, with the law taking effect immediately upon passage.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1395&ga=114