Tennessee House Bill HB2654

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/5/24
• Failed: 3/20/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, relative to a ballot question.

Impact

If passed, HB2654 would allow the state to formally assess public opinion on medical marijuana legalization, potentially paving the way for future legislative efforts in this area. The results of the poll would be compiled by the secretary of state and forwarded to the members of the general assembly, providing them with insight into the constituents' preferences on this contentious issue.

Summary

House Bill 2654, sponsored by Representative Chism, proposes a public policy opinion poll regarding the legalization of medical marijuana in Tennessee. The bill mandates that each county election commission include a specific ballot question in the November 2024 election asking voters whether they support the legalization of the sale, possession, and use of medical marijuana. The aim of this bill is to gauge public sentiment on this issue, which has seen increasing support across the country.

Contention

The notable point of contention surrounding HB2654 relates to the binding nature of the poll results. While the results will inform the general assembly, the bill explicitly states that the outcome of this public policy opinion poll is not binding on legislative action. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the poll in influencing future legislation, as some may argue that it could merely serve as an avenue for political posturing without leading to substantive policy changes.