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HB 445

Criminal Procedure - As enacted, revises the procedure for restoration of rights of citizenship. - Amends TCA Title 2; Title 4; Title 22; Title 36; Title 39 and Title 40.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Bud Hulsey

Tennessee streamlines the process for restoring voting, jury service, and other civil rights to individuals who have completed criminal sentences.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 298
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Bill Summary · HB 445

Legislative bill overview

HB 445 revises Tennessee's procedures for restoring civil rights to individuals who have completed their criminal sentences. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee code governing criminal procedure, sentencing, and rights restoration. It streamlines the process by which formerly incarcerated individuals can regain citizenship rights like voting, jury service, and firearm ownership.

Why is this important

Rights restoration affects hundreds of thousands of Americans with criminal records seeking to reintegrate into society. The procedures for regaining these rights vary significantly by state and can create barriers to employment, housing, and civic participation. How Tennessee structures this process influences both public safety outcomes and the reintegration success of formerly incarcerated individuals.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of eligibility: Disagreement over which offenses should qualify for rights restoration (violent crimes, sexual offenses, repeat felonies may face different treatment)
  • Automatic vs. petition-based restoration: Whether rights should be automatically restored after sentence completion or require individuals to petition courts, affecting administrative burden and access
  • Firearm rights restoration: Particularly contentious; balancing Second Amendment considerations against public safety concerns for those with certain conviction histories

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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