AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, relative to voting.
Impact
If enacted, SB0387 would adjust existing statutes about voting to more specifically define the age of children in legal language. This could affect how various election-related regulations are applied, particularly in contexts involving minors and their rights or responsibilities associated with voting. The amendment could lead to clearer guidelines for voters, officials, and electoral processes concerning age-related voting matters, ensuring that there is no ambiguity regarding the status of individuals who are seventeen years old compared to those who are younger.
Summary
Senate Bill 387 (SB0387) proposes an amendment to the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding voting regulations, specifically addressing the age at which a child is legally recognized in voting contexts. The bill seeks to change the wording within Section 2-7-103(e) by replacing 'a child under seventeen (17) years of age' with 'a child seventeen (17) years of age or younger.' This change clarifies the definition of eligible children in terms of age, potentially impacting how age-related laws and voting eligibility are interpreted in Tennessee.
Contention
Discussion around SB0387 may center on the implications of redefining the age designation for voting-related contexts. Critics might argue that the bill does not adequately address broader issues prevalent in voting laws concerning youth participation and engagement in the electoral process. Proponents, on the other hand, may advocate for the necessity of precise legal language in the age definition to avoid misinterpretations in future electoral rulings or challenges.