Tennessee House Bill HB0871

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23
• Refer: 2/14/23
• Refer: 2/22/23
• Refer: 2/28/23
• Engrossed: 3/7/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, relative to voting.

Impact

The implementation of HB 0871 is expected to increase transparency concerning how Tennessee manages its voting databases and interacts with other states in matters related to voting. By mandating annual reports, the bill emphasizes the importance of communication and accountability within the electoral process. Legislators intend for this act to strengthen the integrity of voting in Tennessee by ensuring that practices and agreements that affect state elections are continuously monitored and reported to the lawmakers.

Summary

House Bill 0871 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 2 which relates to voting. The key provision of this bill requires the state coordinator of elections to file an annual report with the relevant committees of the Tennessee General Assembly. This report is intended to provide updates on the status of agreements with other states, as well as the integrity of Tennessee's statewide voter registration database. This legislative measure highlights the state's commitment to monitoring and maintaining secure voting practices.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 0871 appears generally favorable among those concerned with voting integrity, as it promotes oversight and operational transparency. Supporters argue that such measures are vital for fortifying public confidence in the electoral process and protecting against potential vulnerabilities in voter registration systems. Given the current national discourse on election security, this bill is often viewed as a proactive step in safeguarding democratic processes.

Contention

While the bill has received support, there may be contention surrounding its impacts on resource allocation for elections and the potential for increased scrutiny on agreements with other states. Some critics could argue that while monitoring is essential, it may lead to bureaucratic challenges or unnecessarily complex oversight processes. The effectiveness of the bill will rely on the execution of the reporting requirements and the commitment of the state to properly address any findings presented in future reports.