House Bill 937 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning voting rights, particularly for individuals with felony convictions. The bill introduces new provisions that allow for the automatic restoration of voting rights for individuals who have completed their sentences, including parole or probation, or whose convictions have been reversed by an appellate court. It establishes a process for suspending voter registrations upon confirmation of a felony conviction and mandates that the state coordinator of elections maintain lists of suspended and restored voter registrations. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Correction to provide inmates with information on voter registration upon their release.

Key changes include the deletion of outdated language regarding the restoration of voting rights and the introduction of new requirements for verifying eligibility to vote. The bill specifies that individuals convicted of infamous crimes are automatically eligible to vote upon meeting certain conditions, and it outlines the responsibilities of election officials in managing voter registrations related to felony convictions. Furthermore, it mandates outreach to individuals with felony convictions to inform them of their voting rights, ensuring that they are aware of their eligibility to participate in elections. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2-2-106, 2-2-116(12), 2-2-116, 2-2-139, 2-11-202(a), 2-11-202, 2-19-143, 40-20-112, 40-29-105, 40-29-105(b), 40-29-105(c), 40-29-202, 40-29-203, 40-29-204, 40-29-205, 41-51-301