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TennesseeSB 1567114th General Assembly (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3, Chapter 18, relative to Article V conventions.

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Constitutional Conventions

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

How Tennessee picks Article V commissioners

The General Assembly picks an odd-numbered delegation by joint resolution with a two-thirds vote, with representation across the three grand divisions. Members must be U.S. citizens and Tennessee residents for 5 years, age 25+, and registered voters. Recent lobbyists (5 years), most recent federal employees or federal officeholders (10 years), and people with certain felonies cannot serve. They may not hold a statewide office while serving; serving in the General Assembly is allowed. Each commissioner has a paired alternate. Alternates serve during absences and fill vacancies; the advisory committee may fill vacancies until lawmakers act. Commissioners must sign an oath and file it with the Secretary of State; the oath and commissioning resolution are their credentials. If appointments are needed while lawmakers are out, the Governor calls a special session.

Legislature must fund and set commissioner pay

The state cannot spend money on an Article V convention until the General Assembly votes to take part. Any resolution to participate must request a specific appropriation. Commissioners are paid the same salary rate as a House member, prorated for time served, plus the same per diem and mileage. These payments come from legislative appropriations approved in that resolution.

Strict limits, oversight, and penalties for commissioners

These rules apply to any Article V convention. The General Assembly sets a narrow scope: commissioners must keep one-state-one-vote, support roll-call votes, and stick to subjects in Tennessee’s applications and later instructions; they may not back amendments that change specific individual‑liberty text in the U.S. Constitution. The delegation picks a chair to cast the state’s vote and a single media spokesperson; others may not speak to the media about convention business. Most decisions need a majority present and voting. A three‑member advisory committee, chosen by legislative leaders, gives guidance within 24 hours, monitors conduct, and can remove a commissioner who exceeds authority. Commissioners face a $200 cap on gifts or benefits while serving (family gifts allowed; continued salary is not a gift). Knowingly voting outside Tennessee’s limits is a Class E felony.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

  • Johnson

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Adam Lowe

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 107 • No: 23

House vote • 3/26/2026

FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 3/26/2026

Yes: 74 • No: 16

Senate vote • 3/5/2026

FLOOR VOTE: as Amended Third Consideration 3/5/2026

Yes: 26 • No: 5

Senate vote • 2/24/2026

SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

Yes: 7 • No: 2

Bill Text

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