TN
Tennessee Senate Bill SB0730

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SB0730

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-2-102 and Title 40, Chapter 29, relative to voting rights.

Impact

The proposed amendments to Tennessee Code will result in significant changes in how voting rights are viewed for those previously convicted of certain crimes. Under SB0730, individuals convicted of an infamous crime will retain their right to vote as long as they are not currently incarcerated, on probation, or on parole. This is a crucial adjustment, which aims to reduce the disenfranchisement of individuals who have served their time, thus promoting reintegration into society. The changes may encourage a broader interpretation of voting rights and challenge the existing practices that disproportionately affect voters with criminal records.

Summary

Senate Bill 730 (SB0730) seeks to amend existing Tennessee voting laws, specifically addressing the voting rights of individuals who have been convicted of infamous crimes. The bill redefines the parameters under which convicted felons can have their voting rights restored upon completing their sentences. It stipulates that individuals who have received pardons and have their full rights restored may petition for voting rights restoration, indicating a procedural shift in how disenfranchised individuals can regain their voting privileges.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB0730 involve the categorization of 'infamous crimes' and the perpetual disenfranchisement tied to certain severe offenses, such as first-degree murder and voter fraud. Critics argue that the bill, while progressive in some aspects, still fails to adequately address the lifetime ban imposed on individuals convicted of such crimes, creating a disparity in the acknowledgment of their rehabilitation. Supporters, however, argue that the bill is a step in the right direction in ensuring that individuals are not perpetually punished for past mistakes, advocating for more inclusive democracy.

Latest SB0730 Activity

Companion Bills

TN HB0687

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-2-102 and Title 40, Chapter 29, relative to voting rights.

Similar Bills

TN HB0992

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1, Chapter 3; Section 2-3-107; Title 4, Chapter 29, Part 2; Section 8-35-242; Section 8-38-126; Section 9-8-203; Section 10-7-504; Section 37-1-408 and Title 49, relative to charter schools.

TN SB1014

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1, Chapter 3; Section 2-3-107; Title 4, Chapter 29, Part 2; Section 8-35-242; Section 8-38-126; Section 9-8-203; Section 10-7-504; Section 37-1-408 and Title 49, relative to charter schools.

TN HB0074

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 8; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 40; Title 41; Title 49; Title 50; Title 54; Title 55; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to high school equivalency credentials.

TN SB0255

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 8; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 40; Title 41; Title 49; Title 50; Title 54; Title 55; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to high school equivalency credentials.

TN HB0321

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN SB0329

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN SB1227

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN HB1189

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.