All Roll Calls
Yes: 120 • No: 12
TennesseeSB 0407114th General Assembly (2025-2026)SenateWALLET
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: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
Criminal Procedure
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Felony convictions can block voting permanently
People convicted of an infamous crime cannot register or vote until voting rights are restored for every felony conviction. Restoration must follow Tennessee law, including its rules for federal and other-state convictions. Recognized paths include a pardon from Tennessee's governor, the president, or the other state's proper authority, depending on the conviction. Some convictions permanently block restoration. After July 1, 1986, these include first-degree murder, aggravated rape, treason, and voter fraud. From July 1, 1996, through June 30, 2006, the ban also covers any other degree of murder or rape. For convictions on or after July 1, 2006, it also covers specified public-administration felonies and sexual felonies involving minor victims. In that last category, federal and other-state offenses must have the same elements as the Tennessee offense and be felonies.
Older felony convictions get automatic voting restoration
The law automatically restores voting rights lost solely because of a felony conviction before January 15, 1973. Restoration takes effect on the act's effective date, without a court petition. This automatic restoration does not cover people who also lost voting rights for another reason.
Unpaid debts can block voting restoration
After an infamous-crime conviction after May 18, 1981, voting restoration requires full payment of court-ordered victim restitution. You must also be current on all child-support obligations. Beginning September 1, 2010, the law also requires full payment of court costs assessed at trial's end. These costs include fees, litigation taxes, and other costs assessed at sentencing. The court-cost requirement has an exception when a court finds you unable to pay after an evidence hearing.
Court petitions restore rights with limits
The law creates a court process covering voting, jury service, public office, fiduciary roles such as trustees, and firearm possession. After a pardon or qualifying discharge, you can petition the circuit court where you live or where the conviction occurred. Qualifying discharges include release after serving or reaching the maximum sentence, or final discharge from supervision, including equivalent discharges. Petitions must list relevant state and federal felony convictions, explain eligibility and reasons for restoration, and disclose firearm restrictions. Evidence and sworn statements must show that your case is more likely true than not. Courts must restore full rights when eligibility is established; partial orders must name the rights restored. Voting restoration requires meeting the separate offense and payment rules. Firearm restoration requires full citizenship rights and no ban under the Tennessee firearm laws listed in the act. Courts cannot remove special pardon conditions on voting or firearms. You pay petition court costs unless the court finds you unable to pay. After voting restoration, the court sends its order to the state elections coordinator; you must present a certified order to your county election administrator to register. The Administrative Office of the Courts must develop standard petition and order forms with the Secretary of State and others. Forms must be available online and to clerks and the correction, parole, and human-services agencies. The act replaces prior restoration procedures, repeals the specified prior provisions, and takes effect upon becoming law.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
Ed Jackson
Republican • Senate
Ken Yager
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
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
Bill Text
Enrolled / Public Chapter
Fiscal Note
HA0321
Introduced
SA0395
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