Criminal Procedure - As introduced, creates an exception to the requirement that a petitioner pay the costs of a petition to restore the person's citizenship rights if the court finds that the petitioner is indigent. - Amends TCA Title 2; Title 4; Title 22; Title 36; Title 39 and Title 40.

HB 1031 would amend Tennessee law to require courts to waive the costs of filing a petition to restore a person's citizenship rights for individuals determined to be indigent. Currently, petitioners must pay these costs unless the court finds them indigent, but the bill makes this exception automatic by stating costs must be waived upon a finding of indigence. This directly affects individuals with criminal convictions seeking to regain civil rights (such as voting eligibility) who cannot afford court fees. The key provision removes the upfront payment requirement for indigent petitioners without altering eligibility for rights restoration.