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HB 1395

Criminal Procedure - As introduced, restores the right of suffrage for persons convicted of an infamous crime after expiration of the sentence imposed for the infamous crime; removes requirement that the person pay restitution and court costs and be current in all child support obligations before having the person's right of suffrage restored; permits a person to have the right of suffrage restored without having the person's full rights of citizenship restored. - Amends TCA Title 2 and Title 40.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Justin Pearson

Automatically restore voting rights upon sentence completion without requiring payment of restitution, court costs, or child support arrears.

Placed on s/c cal Criminal Justice Subcommittee for 3/25/2026
#criminalprocedure
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1395

Legislative bill overview

HB 1395 would automatically restore voting rights to individuals after they complete their criminal sentences for felonies, without requiring them to first pay restitution, court costs, or child support arrears. The bill allows voting rights restoration to occur independently of restoring other citizenship rights, creating a standalone pathway to suffrage for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Why is this important

Approximately 4.6 million Americans are disenfranchised due to felony convictions, with Tennessee's current law conditioning voting rights on financial obligations that may be impossible for low-income individuals to meet. This bill directly affects political participation, representation, and reintegration of formerly incarcerated citizens, while raising questions about balancing criminal justice reform with obligations to crime victims and child support recipients.

Potential points of contention

  • Victim compensation vs. voting rights: Removing the restitution requirement means crime victims may never receive court-ordered payments while formerly incarcerated individuals regain political power
  • Child support enforcement: Decoupling voting rights from child support obligations may reduce incentives for parents to meet support payments, affecting vulnerable families
  • Selective rights restoration: The bill's approach of restoring one right independently could create confusion about which rights are restored and when, or be seen as incomplete rehabilitation

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

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