Tennessee House Bill HB1039

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Refer: 3/21/23
• Engrossed: 3/30/23
• Enrolled: 4/10/23
• Passed: 4/28/23
• Chaptered: 5/3/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-3-102, relative to reviewing assignments of voters to precincts and districts.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1039 is expected to enhance the integrity of the electoral process in Tennessee by establishing clearer procedures for verifying the correct assignment of voters. The comptroller of the treasury will compare submitted voter lists with geographic information system data to identify any potential misassignments. This proactive verification aims to reduce errors and ensure that all registered voters are placed in the correct electoral districts, ultimately strengthening the democratic process and voters' representation.

Summary

House Bill 1039 seeks to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-3-102, focusing on the processes involved in reviewing the assignments of voters to their respective precincts and districts. The bill establishes a requirement that after each decennial reapportionment, the state coordinator of elections must submit a comprehensive list of registered voters by each county to the comptroller of the treasury. This measure aims to ensure that voters are correctly assigned to congressional, state house, state senate, and county governing body districts.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1039 has been largely positive, with support from various stakeholders who emphasize the importance of accurate voter registration and assignment. Legislators and election officials believe that the bill will streamline the process of voter assignment while reducing the likelihood of confusion or disputes regarding voter eligibility in specific districts. However, some concerns have been raised about the responsibility placed on county administrators when making final determinations regarding voter assignments, suggesting the potential for additional burdens on their resources.

Contention

A notable point of contention within the discussion of HB 1039 revolves around the mechanisms for identifying and correcting misassignments of voters. While supporters appreciate the intended safeguards for elections, opponents may argue that the new processes could be overly complex or could inadvertently lead to further confusion if not implemented carefully. The bill emphasizes the need for thorough communication between the comptroller's office and county election officials to ensure that any discrepancies are resolved efficiently and transparently.