Tennessee House Bill HB1327

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, Chapter 16 and Title 3, Chapter 1, Part 1, relative to redistricting.

Impact

If passed, HB1327 will directly influence Tennessee's election laws by ensuring that any changes to precinct lines are communicated to the senate judiciary committee and the state government committee of the house of representatives. This process aims to enhance transparency and maintain an organized approach to redistricting. The expectation is that such measures will safeguard against arbitrary changes that could impact electoral fairness.

Summary

House Bill 1327 seeks to amend the Tennessee Code related to redistricting, specifically addressing precinct line adjustments. The legislation stipulates that the comptroller of the treasury is required to report to specific legislative committees regarding any counties that have modified their precinct lines pursuant to the new stipulations within the law. This bill reflects a move towards greater oversight and accountability regarding how and when precincts can be redrawn in Tennessee.

Contention

The potential points of contention surrounding HB1327 might derive from differing perspectives on the necessity and impact of increased legislative oversight in redistricting procedures. Proponents of the bill may argue that this added layer of review is essential for ensuring fair and equitable representation, while opponents might characterize it as an unnecessary bureaucratic hurdle that could complicate timely updates to precincts, particularly in response to demographic shifts.