House Bill 1448 proposes significant changes to the process for recalling local elected officials in Tennessee. The bill deletes the existing Section 49-2-213 from the Tennessee Code Annotated and introduces a new part under Title 8, Chapter 47, which defines "local official" and outlines the procedures for recall. According to the new provisions, registered voters within the jurisdiction of the local official can initiate a recall by filing a petition that must be signed by at least 66% of the total votes cast for that office in the last regular election. The petition must include a general statement of grounds for the recall and a sworn affidavit from the circulator confirming the authenticity of the signatures.

If the petition is deemed sufficient by the county election commission, a recall election will be called, allowing voters to decide whether to remove the official from office. The ballot will present the question of recall, with options for voters to choose "for recall" or "against recall." If a majority votes for the recall, the official will be removed, and the office will be declared vacant, which cannot be filled by reappointing the removed individual. Additionally, the bill stipulates that no recall election can occur within 90 days before or after a regular election.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-2-213