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SB 1143

Election Laws - As enacted, requires the coordinator of elections to include, in the coordinator's minimum standards for educating election officials, training on temporary forms of identification issued to non-United States citizens that may not be used as evidence of identification on an application for ballot. - Amends TCA Title 2.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Rusty Crowe

Tennessee law now mandates election officials receive training on rejecting temporary non-citizen IDs in voter registration applications, effective January 2026.

Pub. Ch. 394
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1143

Legislative bill overview

SB 1143 requires Tennessee's election coordinator to include training in their minimum standards for election officials specifically covering temporary forms of identification issued to non-citizens that are ineligible for use on ballot applications. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 2 and became effective January 1, 2026.

Why is this important

Election officials need clear guidance on document verification to ensure only eligible voters register. This training requirement addresses a procedural gap by explicitly instructing officials on which temporary IDs cannot be accepted, potentially reducing administrative errors or inconsistent application of voter eligibility rules across counties.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: The bill doesn't specify which temporary non-citizen IDs should be covered in training, potentially leaving election coordinators to interpret scope independently
  • Underlying voter eligibility debate: The bill reflects ongoing national debate over non-citizen voting eligibility; supporters see it as clarification, while critics may view it as addressing a non-existent problem
  • Training burden: Requiring new mandatory training adds administrative costs and time for local election offices already managing resource constraints

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

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