AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 3 and Title 8, relative to public office.
Summary
SB0353 makes a narrow change to Tennessee election law governing public office. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-10-212(a)(2), by increasing a percentage threshold from 4% to 5% of all candidates. Based on the cited statute and the bill caption, the change appears to affect the rules for qualifying for or administering a public office-related election process, likely tied to candidate participation or ballot access requirements under Title 2.
The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law, reflecting a legislative determination that the public welfare requires prompt implementation. Because the measure changes only a single numeric threshold, it does not create a new program or office, but instead adjusts an existing election-related standard in state law.
Impact
SB0353 would amend Tennessee election statutes in Title 2 by raising a statutory threshold from 4% to 5% in Section 2-10-212(a)(2). This would alter the legal standard applied to candidates or election administration under that provision, potentially affecting who qualifies under the rule or how the relevant election process is conducted. The bill has no apparent impact on Titles 3 or 8 beyond the caption, and it would take effect immediately once enacted.
Sentiment
There is no committee transcript or recorded vote history provided for SB0353, so there is no direct evidence of debate, support, or opposition in the available materials. The bill’s text suggests a technical, narrowly targeted election-law adjustment rather than a broad policy change, which often draws limited public controversy. However, because it raises a threshold affecting candidates, the measure could be viewed as modestly restrictive by those concerned about ballot access or participation standards.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the increase from 4% to 5%, which may be seen as tightening eligibility or procedural requirements in the election code. Supporters would likely characterize the change as a minor administrative adjustment, while opponents could argue it makes access to the relevant process more difficult for candidates. No specific individuals, committees, or stakeholder groups are identified in the provided record, and no formal opposition or support is documented.