Tennessee House Bill HB0687

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23
• Refer: 2/1/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-2-102 and Title 40, Chapter 29, relative to voting rights.

Impact

One of the notable aspects of HB0687 is its potential impact on the voting rights of individuals who have been convicted of infamous crimes. The bill modifies existing provisions by allowing those pardoned to petition for restoration of voting rights immediately, as well as those whose convictions have been completed. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes that disenfranchisement should not be further enforced based on the inability to pay monetary penalties or due to extensions of probation related to such penalties.

Summary

House Bill 0687 aims to amend several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning voting rights, particularly focusing on the eligibility of individuals with criminal convictions. The bill stipulates that citizens aged eighteen and older are considered qualified voters unless disqualified due to specific reasons, such as being imprisoned, on probation, or on parole due to a judgment of infamy. It seeks to clarify the conditions under which voting rights can be restored following a conviction, particularly for those deemed 'infamous' due to serious crimes like murder or voter fraud.

Contention

The discussion surrounding HB0687 is likely to invoke divergent viewpoints. Proponents may view it as a necessary reform to enhance democratic participation among those who have served their sentences, while opponents might argue it could pose risks in permitting individuals with serious criminal histories to vote. Key figures in the legislative process will likely scrutinize the implications of restoring rights, particularly regarding the categorization of certain offenses as never eligible for voting, such as treason or aggravated rape.