Tennessee House Bill HB2121

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24
• Refer: 1/29/24
• Refer: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/13/24
• Engrossed: 2/22/24
• Enrolled: 3/12/24
• Passed: 3/27/24
• Chaptered: 4/3/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, Chapter 13, relative to convention delegates.

Impact

If enacted, House Bill 2121 would directly alter existing state law governing the election methods for convention delegates, specifically concerning how delegates are elected when done at large. This amendment will likely lead to a more open selection process that stakeholders hope will promote greater participation and responsibility among committee members. Additionally, by fostering a public voting system, the bill aims to discourage manipulation or lack of transparency that can accompany secret balloting, thereby strengthening the integrity of the delegate election process.

Summary

House Bill 2121 seeks to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, Chapter 13, regarding the election procedures for at-large party delegates and alternates. This bill proposes a shift to require that elections for these delegates be conducted by open ballot within the party executive committee. A significant point of the proposed change is the prohibition of secret balloting, which aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the election of delegates. The bill is intended to establish a standardized process for the selection of delegates at the state level, ensuring consistent practices across political parties.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 2121 appears to be cautiously positive, as it is primarily supported by those advocating for transparency in the political process. Proponents argue that open ballots will facilitate accountability and enhance the democratic nature of delegate elections. Conversely, there may be some concerns among committee members regarding privacy and the potential difficulties involved in the openness of the voting process. This introduction of change may evoke mixed reactions among party members, particularly those accustomed to traditional methods of secret voting.

Contention

Notable contention surrounding HB 2121 may stem from differing views on the balance between transparency and privacy in the election of political delegates. While proponents praise the necessity for open elections to foster accountability, critics could argue that secret ballots allow members to vote their conscience without external pressures. The bill's effective implementation will depend on how party members perceive the trade-off between these interests and the cultural shift it calls for in the organizational framework of delegate selection within Tennessee's political landscape.