Senate Bill 1801 aims to amend voting rights in Tennessee, particularly concerning individuals convicted of infamous crimes. The bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-2-102, by redefining who qualifies as a voter, specifically excluding those currently imprisoned, on probation, or on parole for an infamous crime. It also introduces a new provision in Section 2-2-139(a) that allows individuals whose suffrage rights have been restored due to the expiration of their sentence to register and vote. Additionally, Section 2-19-143(a) is revised to clarify the conditions under which individuals convicted of infamous crimes can regain their voting rights, including the necessity of a pardon or restoration of citizenship rights.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that a person's right to vote is automatically restored upon their discharge from custody after serving their maximum sentence for an infamous crime, as outlined in the new subsection added to Section 40-29-102. The bill also removes certain existing provisions from Section 40-29-103 that may have previously complicated the restoration process. Overall, this legislation seeks to simplify and clarify the process for restoring voting rights to individuals who have completed their sentences or received pardons, thereby promoting greater civic participation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2-2-102, 2-2-139(a), 2-2-139, 2-19-143(a), 2-19-143, 40-29-102, 40-29-103