House Bill 616 amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to facilitate the restoration of voting rights for individuals convicted of infamous crimes. Key changes include the clarification that a person convicted of an infamous crime may petition for the restoration of their full citizenship rights upon the expiration of their sentence. The bill also specifies that individuals are only ineligible to vote while they are currently imprisoned, on parole, or on probation for their conviction. Additionally, it introduces provisions that ensure the right to vote cannot be denied due to the inability to pay monetary obligations such as fines or child support.

The bill modifies the process for restoring voting rights by allowing individuals to receive a certificate of voting rights restoration from various authorities, including the pardoning authority or supervising officers. This certificate serves as proof of eligibility to register to vote. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Department of Correction provide regular updates to the Secretary of State regarding newly eligible individuals, ensuring a streamlined process for voter registration. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the accessibility of voting rights for those who have completed their sentences for infamous crimes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2-2-102, 2-2-116, 2-2-139(a), 2-2-139, 2-2-139(b), 2-19-143, 40-29-101, 40-29-105(b)(2), 40-29-105, 40-29-202, 40-29-203