Senate Bill 347 aims to clarify and specify the definition of "signature" in relation to election-related documents within Tennessee's election laws. The bill introduces new definitions for "election-related document" and "signature," emphasizing that a signature must be the full, legal handwritten signature of a registered voter, with provisions for initials and marks in certain circumstances. This change is intended to streamline the signature verification process for county election commissions and reduce the potential for contested elections.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing regulations regarding petition signatures, requiring that signers provide their residential address as it appears on their voter registration card, while allowing for some flexibility in address discrepancies. It also mandates that county election commissions compare petition signatures to those on voter registration records without relying on extraneous evidence for verification. The bill further emphasizes the responsibility of voters to keep their registration information current, particularly when moving, to facilitate the voting process. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2-1-104(a), 2-1-104, 2-1-107, 2-2-122, 2-5-101(b)(2), 2-5-101