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SB 1781

Election Laws - As introduced, authorizes the county election commission to notify individuals filing a petition for recall, referendum, or initiative to notify the individuals of a defect in the petition that must be cured prior to certification for final approval. - Amends TCA Title 2.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Counties may notify petition filers of defects in their documentation to help fix issues within existing 30-day review and 15-day cure timelines.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate State and Local Government Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 1781

Summary of SB 1781 (Session 114, Tennessee)

Purpose

SB 1781 amends Tennessee election law to authorize county election commissions to notify individuals who file petitions for recall, referendum, or initiative about defects in their petition documentation. The aim is to improve the petition process by ensuring filers are aware of issues that must be cured before certification for final approval.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new sentence to Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-5-151(c):
    • “The commission may notify the individual or individuals filing the petition of a defect in the documentation.”
  • This authorization applies to petitions for recall, referendum, or initiative.
  • The bill retains existing timing requirements for petition processing:
    • County election commissions must certify whether a petition is in proper form within 30 days after filing the required documentation.
    • Filing parties then have 15 days to cure any defects.

Who is affected

  • Petition filers for recalls, referendums, and citizen initiatives in Tennessee.
  • County election commissions responsible for processing and certifying petitions.

Procedural and timeline implications

  • Notification power is added to counties; it is permissive (the commission “may notify”) rather than mandatory.
  • The notification would occur within the existing framework and timelines:
    • Within 30 days of filing, commissions determine proper form.
    • If defects are identified, filers have a 15-day cure period.
  • The change is designed to utilize existing resources and staff, implying no new or incremental fiscal impact expected for state or local governments.

Fiscal impact

  • Fiscal note indicates: Not significant.
  • Assumptions highlight that the notification can be handled with current resources, without substantial costs.

Legislative status

  • Introduced and referred through the normal process.
  • Recent action: Passed on Second Consideration (Jan 22, 2026) and referred to Senate State and Local Government Committee.
  • Effective date: Upon becoming law (immediate effect once enacted).

Practical impact for readers

  • Filers should be aware that counties may inform them of defects in their petition materials.
  • This could help ensure petitions reach final approval more efficiently by addressing issues earlier in the process.
  • No anticipated changes to the overall timeline framework beyond the added notification option.

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

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