NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Bud Hulsey, R-Kingsport, this week introduced legislation to ease the process of restoring a person’s right to vote in Tennessee after a felony conviction. House Bill 445 will allow for the restoration of one or more rights of citizenship, including the right to vote and to serve on a jury, […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Bud Hulsey, R-Kingsport, this week introduced legislation to ease the process of restoring a person’s right to vote in Tennessee after a felony conviction.
House Bill 445 will allow for the restoration of one or more rights of citizenship, including the right to vote and to serve on a jury, when certain conditions are met. This legislation ensures suffrage can be regained without the right to possess a firearm reinstated.
“The right to vote is fundamental in our nation and it’s never been easier to cast a ballot than it is today,” Hulsey said. “When someone violates the law and is convicted of a felony, they forfeit certain rights of citizenship in Tennessee. Committing serious crimes has consequences, and we remain steadfast in holding offenders accountable. This legislation supports those who have paid their debt to society and desire to leave misdeeds in the past by leading productive lives.”
People convicted of infamous crimes, which include any felony, are barred from voting in Tennessee elections. Current Tennessee law includes a two-step process that necessitates a pardon or restoration of full citizenship rights to regain the ability to vote, in addition to meeting eligibility requirements including paying restitution, court costs, and child support.
The proposed legislation doesn’t change Tennessee’s eligibility requirements but allows for people to regain suffrage without full restoration of rights.
House Bill 445 will ensure everyone follows the same citizenship rights restoration process by petitioning the court. Additionally, the bill provides the attorney general standing to challenge a person’s restoration eligibility.
The Volunteer State ranks No. 1 in election integrity and continues to break voter turnout records, with a historic 3.08 million votes cast in the Nov. 5 presidential election.
State Rep. Bud Hulsey represents House District 2, which includes part of Sullivan County.