Bill > HB2613

This bill, known as the "Tennessee Ballot Access Act," amends Tennessee election laws to establish new requirements for candidates seeking to appear on ballots in the state. It defines key terms such as "candidate," "citizen," and "natural born citizen," with a particularly detailed definition of "natural born citizen" emphasizing birthright citizenship derived from the father, as interpreted from historical legal treatises and the U.S. Constitution. The act mandates that all candidates for state and federal offices must provide authentic, documented proof of their eligibility for the office they seek, verified by state and local election officials, before being placed on the ballot. For federal offices, this includes specific requirements for age, citizenship duration, and residency, with a stringent focus on "natural born citizen" status for presidential and vice-presidential candidates. The bill also places a duty on political parties to vet their candidates for eligibility and holds them accountable, potentially barring them from future ballot access if they present ineligible candidates or false information. Violations of these provisions can result in significant penalties, including disqualification from office, future political bans, fines, imprisonment, and criminal prosecution. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2613&ga=114