Tennessee House Bill HB0458

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/25
• Refer: 2/5/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2 and Title 55, Chapter 50, relative to elections.

Impact

If enacted, HB0458 will affect multiple statutes related to voter registration and election procedures in Tennessee. The bill requires that individuals who register to vote via mail or online appear in person to cast their ballot in their first election, thereby enforcing additional measures to confirm voter identity. This requirement could have significant implications for voter turnout, particularly among demographics that may find it challenging to vote in person due to various factors such as mobility or access.

Summary

House Bill 0458 aims to amend various provisions in the Tennessee Code Annotated related to elections, specifically focusing on voter registration and validation processes. The bill mandates the coordinator of elections to perform monthly comparisons of the statewide voter registration database with the department of safety database to ensure that non-U.S. citizens are not registered to vote. Additionally, it allows registered voters to challenge the qualifications of another person applying to register, thus enhancing the mechanisms by which voter eligibility can be scrutinized. The proposed changes intend to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring only eligible citizens participate in elections.

Contention

Notably, HB0458 is likely to spark contention among legislators and advocacy groups. Supporters may argue that the bill enhances electoral security and reduces potential voter fraud, while opponents could label it as unnecessary voter suppression, particularly affecting marginalized communities. The requirement for voters to appear in person for their first election could be seen as particularly problematic, as it may disproportionately impact those without easy access to polling locations.