Criminal Justice (Civil Rights)

SB 594 restores voting rights for Tennessee residents convicted of an "infamous crime" (serious criminal convictions) once their sentence, probation, or parole ends. It removes the previous requirement that individuals must pay all restitution, court costs, and be current on child support before regaining the right to vote. The bill clarifies that voting rights restoration occurs automatically after sentence completion, without needing a full citizenship restoration or pardon. This change applies to all eligible individuals, including those convicted before 1981, and updates voter registration forms to reflect the new eligibility criteria.

SB 29 increases penalties for civil rights intimidation in Tennessee by elevating the offense from a Class D felony to a Class C felony under two specific circumstances: if the victim is a minor (under 18) or if the defendant targeted the victim specifically because they are a religious leader (e.g., minister, rabbi, or ordained spiritual figure) recognized by their faith community. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-309 to create this higher penalty tier while keeping other violations as Class A misdemeanors. It directly affects individuals committing such intimidation against minors or religious leaders, and the law will take effect on July 1, 2025. The change focuses solely on the severity of punishment for these targeted offenses, without altering other aspects of the law.

HB 1395 restores voting rights for Tennessee residents convicted of an "infamous crime" once their sentence (including incarceration, probation, or parole) ends, without requiring them to pay restitution, court costs, or be current on child support. The bill removes previous barriers by automatically reinstating voting rights upon sentence completion, rather than requiring court approval or full citizenship restoration. It specifically affects individuals with such convictions who have served their sentences, clarifying that only voting rights - not full citizenship - are restored. The law updates voter registration forms and election codes to reflect this change, ensuring eligibility is determined solely by sentence completion. This policy change applies to convictions both before and after May 18, 1981.

HB 687 modifies Tennessee's voting rights laws by removing permanent disenfranchisement for individuals convicted of first-degree murder, aggravated rape, treason, or voter fraud. It replaces the requirement to pay all past court costs with a simpler standard: voters must be compliant with current child support orders (not fully paid arrears). The bill also establishes a three-year waiting period after sentence completion for those convicted of the listed crimes before they can regain voting rights, provided they meet other eligibility criteria. This directly affects Tennessee residents with these specific convictions who were previously barred from voting permanently or required to settle all financial obligations.