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HB 1053

Criminal Procedure - As introduced, allows certain persons deprived of the right of suffrage to apply for a voter registration card and have the right of suffrage provisionally restored if the person enters into a payment plan to become current on all child support obligations. - Amends TCA Title 40, Chapter 29.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Sam McKenzie

Tennessee bill allows provisional voter registration restoration for those with unpaid child support if they enter a payment plan rather than pay in full.

Action Def. in s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee to 3/25/2026
#criminalprocedure
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1053

Legislative bill overview

HB 1053 would allow individuals who have lost voting rights due to unpaid child support obligations to regain provisional voting eligibility by entering into a payment plan rather than requiring full payment. The bill amends Tennessee's criminal procedure law to create a pathway for restoring suffrage rights contingent on demonstrating commitment to meet child support obligations.

Why is this important

Voting rights restoration affects civic participation and political representation, while child support enforcement is a critical family law issue. This bill attempts to balance access to the ballot with accountability for family financial obligations, potentially impacting thousands of Tennesseans with voting restrictions and raising questions about the conditions under which fundamental rights can be exercised.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Whether conditioning voting rights on child support compliance violates the right to vote and raises due process questions
  • Enforcement mechanisms: How "provisional" restoration would work if payment plans are not maintained, and whether voting rights could be revoked again
  • Equity and access: Whether this disproportionately affects lower-income individuals and whether payment plans are realistic for those unable to pay in full
  • Child support policy: Whether this adequately protects children's interests or prioritizes voter restoration over family financial security

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

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