Tennessee House Bill HB2658

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/26
• Refer: 3/9/26
• Refer: 3/16/26
• Refer: 3/24/26
• Engrossed: 3/31/26
• Enrolled: 4/2/26
• Passed: 4/16/26
• Chaptered: 5/1/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Chapter 257 of the Private Acts of 1923; as amended and rewritten by Chapter 25 of the Private Acts of 2003; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the town of White Bluff.

Summary

HB2658 is a private act affecting the Town of White Bluff in Dickson County. It amends the town’s charter provisions on municipal voting eligibility by allowing two categories of people to vote in White Bluff municipal elections: residents of the town who are otherwise qualified to vote in state and county elections, and certain non-resident property owners who live elsewhere in Dickson County but own real property inside the town limits. For non-resident property owners, the bill sets specific qualifications. The owner must hold at least a one-half interest in the property, and the property must be at least 5,000 square feet. All eligible voters under the act must still comply with state voter registration requirements and show any required registration receipts. The act is contingent on approval by a two-thirds vote of White Bluff’s legislative body, and it becomes effective only if the town approves it.

Impact

The bill amends a private act governing White Bluff’s municipal charter, specifically replacing Section 5 on voter eligibility. Its practical effect is to expand municipal election participation beyond town residents to include qualifying non-resident property owners within Dickson County, while preserving state election registration rules. Because it is a private act, its legal effect is limited to White Bluff and does not change statewide election law, but it does alter who may vote in the town’s local elections if the town government approves it.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have broad support and little opposition. It passed the House Private Acts Committee unanimously, then the House State & Local Government Committee unanimously, and later passed the House floor overwhelmingly with only one no vote. The final motion to adopt also passed unanimously in the recorded vote. The voting pattern suggests the measure was viewed as a routine local government matter rather than a controversial policy change.

Contention

The main substantive issue is the expansion of voting rights in municipal elections to certain non-resident property owners, which can raise questions about representation, residency, and local control. Supporters likely viewed the change as a tailored local adjustment for White Bluff, while any potential concern would center on whether property ownership should confer voting rights in town elections. The bill addresses that concern by limiting eligibility to Dickson County property owners with at least a one-half interest and a minimum property size, and by requiring approval from White Bluff’s legislative body before taking effect.