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TennesseeSB 0407114th General Assembly (2025-2026)Senate

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 22; Title 36; Title 39 and Title 40, relative to rights of citizenship.

Sponsored By: Todd Gardenhire (Republican)

Became Law

Criminal Procedure

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Permanent voting bans for serious crimes

Some crimes carry a permanent loss of voting in Tennessee. If convicted on or after July 1, 1986 of first‑degree murder, aggravated rape, treason, or voter fraud, you can never restore voting. For July 1, 1996 through June 30, 2006, the ban also covers other degrees of murder and rape. For crimes on or after July 1, 2006, the ban also covers certain listed violent and sexual crimes, including crimes against minors.

Tighter voting rules after felonies

After a felony, you cannot register or vote in Tennessee unless your voting right is restored under Tennessee law for each felony. A pardon alone is not enough. In some cases you also must have a pardon plus restoration. These rules apply to Tennessee, federal, and out‑of‑state felony convictions.

Automatic voting restored for pre-1973 felonies

If you lost voting only because of a felony before January 15, 1973, your right to vote is restored by this law. No petition is required.

How to restore rights after a felony

You can petition a circuit court after a pardon, after serving your sentence, or after a final discharge from parole. If convicted after May 18, 1981, you must pay all restitution, pay court costs assessed on or after September 1, 2010 unless a court finds you indigent, and be current on child support. Your petition must list every state and federal felony and show you meet these rules. The clerk notifies prosecutors and election officials at least 30 days before a decision; if no one objects, the court may rule without a hearing. You pay case costs unless waived for indigency. The court may restore some or all rights; gun rights need full restoration and no other gun ban. If voting is restored, the court sends the order so you can register. Standard petition and order forms are posted online and at key agencies.

New restoration framework and definitions

The law repeals the old restoration part and replaces cross‑references. It defines “rights of citizenship” as jury service, voting, holding office, serving as a fiduciary, and possessing a firearm. It also defines court costs and voter fraud. These definitions guide how courts and agencies apply the new restoration rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Todd Gardenhire

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Ed Jackson

    Republican • Senate

  • Ken Yager

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 120 • No: 12

House vote • 4/15/2025

FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/15/2025

Yes: 86 • No: 8

Senate vote • 4/14/2025

FLOOR VOTE: as Amended Third Consideration 4/14/2025

Yes: 28 • No: 2

Senate vote • 4/8/2025

SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

Yes: 6 • No: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Pub. Ch. 298

    5/13/2025

  2. Effective date(s) 05/02/2025

    5/13/2025

  3. Signed by Governor.

    5/2/2025Senate

  4. Transmitted to Governor for action.

    4/22/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Senate Speaker

    4/21/2025Senate

  6. Signed by H. Speaker

    4/21/2025House

  7. Enrolled and ready for signatures

    4/17/2025Senate

  8. Subst. for comp. HB.

    4/15/2025House

  9. Am. withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - HA0321)

    4/15/2025House

  10. Passed H., Ayes 86, Nays 8, PNV 1

    4/15/2025House

  11. Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0395)

    4/14/2025Senate

  12. Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 28, Nays 2

    4/14/2025Senate

  13. Engrossed; ready for transmission to House

    4/14/2025Senate

  14. Sponsor(s) Added.

    4/14/2025Senate

  15. Placed on Senate Regular Calendar for 4/14/2025

    4/11/2025Senate

  16. Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 6, Nays 2 PNV 0

    4/8/2025Senate

  17. Action deferred in Senate Judiciary Committee to 4/8/2025

    4/2/2025Senate

  18. Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 4/8/2025

    4/2/2025Senate

  19. Action deferred in Senate Judiciary Committee to 4/2/2025

    4/1/2025Senate

  20. Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 4/2/2025

    4/1/2025Senate

  21. Action deferred in Senate Judiciary Committee to 4/1/2025

    3/31/2025Senate

  22. Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 4/1/2025

    3/31/2025Senate

  23. Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/31/2025

    3/26/2025Senate

  24. Sponsor(s) Added.

    2/18/2025Senate

  25. Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee

    2/12/2025Senate

Bill Text

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