Tennessee House Bill HB0173

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/23
• Refer: 1/21/23
• Failed: 2/22/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, relative to a public policy opinion poll.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would establish a framework for a public policy opinion poll on marijuana, requiring county election commissions to include these questions on their ballots. The Tennessee Secretary of State will compile the results and share them with the General Assembly, although the outcome will not be binding. This could serve as a significant step in shaping the state’s marijuana regulations and provide lawmakers with public sentiment regarding these issues, which may lead to future legislative proposals.

Summary

House Bill 173 (HB0173) proposes to amend Tennessee Code Annotated by requiring the inclusion of specific questions regarding marijuana on the November 2024 election ballot. The questions will seek public opinion on three key topics: the legalization of medical marijuana, the decriminalization of possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, and the legalization and regulation of commercial sales of recreational marijuana. This approach aims to gauge the constituents' desires regarding marijuana policy in the state and could influence future legislative actions based on the results.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB0173 appears to lean toward encouraging public engagement on marijuana issues, reflecting a growing conversation about cannabis policy. Advocates of the bill argue that it represents a democratic process by allowing citizens to voice their opinions on important social issues, particularly in light of evolving attitudes toward marijuana use across the country. However, there may be opposition from conservative groups who oppose marijuana legalization in any form, highlighting a division in public opinion that could be mirrored in the ballot results.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the nature of the questions presented on the ballot and the potential implications of the poll results for future legislation. Some legislators may view the inclusion of these questions as a progressive move towards marijuana reform, while others might argue that it sends a conflicting message about the state’s stance on drug use. Furthermore, there is concern about how the results will be interpreted and utilized—whether they will genuinely reflect constituents' desires or if they will be leveraged to support pre-existing legislative agendas.