Tennessee House Bill HB0835

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23
• Refer: 2/2/23
• Refer: 3/29/23
• Refer: 4/11/23
• Refer: 4/19/23
• Refer: 3/26/24
• Engrossed: 4/4/24
• Enrolled: 4/16/24
• Passed: 5/3/24
• Chaptered: 5/13/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-2-106 and Section 2-2-141, relative to election integrity.

Impact

The primary impact of HB 0835 is on election laws in Tennessee, specifically reinforcing the state's commitment to voter integrity. By ensuring that voter registrations are checked against safety databases, the bill attempts to reduce the risk of non-citizen voting, which is a significant concern for many lawmakers. This adjustment in the law emphasizes stricter adherence to eligibility requirements, potentially leading to more accurate voter rolls. However, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on the implementation and the systems in place to manage voter registration accurately.

Summary

House Bill 0835 amends the Tennessee Code Annotated in relation to election integrity by changing the role of the coordinator of elections regarding the comparison of voter registration data. The bill mandates that the coordinator must compare the statewide voter registration database with the department of safety database to ensure that non-United States citizens are not registered to vote in the state. This change elevates the requirement from a permissive action to a mandatory one, thereby enhancing the measures taken toward ensuring eligible voter registration within Tennessee.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 0835 largely reflects a partisan divide, with supporters advocating for enhanced election security and integrity, while opponents express concern about the implications of stringent voter registration checks. Proponents view the bill as a vital step toward protecting electoral integrity, suggesting that it will reassure constituents that only eligible voters participate in elections. Conversely, critics argue that such measures might lead to voter suppression, particularly impacting eligible voters who may face challenges in proving their citizenship status.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 0835 include the broader implications of enforcing stricter checks on voter registration and whether these measures will disproportionately affect certain communities. Critics fear that the additional measures could lead to unnecessary barriers for eligible voters, potentially disenfranchising them from exercising their right to vote. This debate reflects wider discussions on how to balance election security with the imperative to ensure access to the electoral process for all qualified citizens.