AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, relative to elections.
Summary
SB0777 amends Tennessee election law by shortening a statutory time period from “not to exceed three (3) weeks” to “not to exceed two (2) weeks” in Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-1-116(a). The bill does not create a new election procedure; instead, it tightens an existing deadline or duration within Title 2, which governs elections. Because the bill text does not specify the underlying process in the excerpt provided, the practical effect is a one-week reduction in the maximum time allowed for the affected election-related activity.
The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law, reflecting a legislative determination that the change should apply without delay. In legal terms, it directly amends a single provision of Tennessee’s election code and would control over the prior three-week language once enacted. Any election administrators, local officials, or other parties governed by Section 2-1-116(a) would need to comply with the shorter two-week limit.
Impact
SB0777 narrows the timeframe in Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, Section 2-1-116(a) from three weeks to two weeks, thereby modifying an existing election-related deadline or period. The bill’s impact is limited to the specific statutory provision it amends, but it could affect election administrators, local election officials, and any process governed by that section by requiring faster action or shorter scheduling windows. The act also includes an immediate effective date, so the revised timeframe would apply as soon as the bill becomes law.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests generally favorable committee sentiment toward the bill, though not unanimous. It was recommended for passage with amendments by the Senate State & Local Government Committee on a 6-3 vote and then recommended for passage by the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee on a 9-2 vote. No committee transcript is provided, so the record shows support sufficient to advance the bill, with some opposition remaining in committee.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be whether reducing the allowed period from three weeks to two weeks is appropriate or workable for the affected election process. The 6-3 committee vote indicates some members objected to the change, likely due to concerns about administrative timing, implementation burden, or reduced flexibility, while the stronger 9-2 vote in the next committee suggests broader support as the bill advanced. Because no transcript is available, the specific arguments for and against the amendment are not stated in the record provided.