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HB 520

Election Laws - As introduced, increases the time a person may be absent from work to vote, from three hours to four hours. - Amends TCA Title 2; Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7 and Title 8.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Tom Leatherwood

Tennessee increases mandatory paid voting time off from three to four hours to improve employee access to polls during elections.

P2C, caption bill, held on desk - pending amdt.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 520

Legislative bill overview

HB 520 extends Tennessee's paid time-off requirement for voting from three hours to four hours, allowing employees to take additional paid leave to participate in elections. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee Code Annotated across several titles to implement this change statewide.

Why is this important

Voting access directly affects democratic participation, and time constraints are cited as a barrier to voting, particularly for hourly workers. This change could increase voter turnout by reducing conflicts between work schedules and polling hours, though the practical impact depends on polling wait times in specific areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Business cost concerns: Employers may argue the additional hour creates operational disruptions or unfunded mandates, particularly for small businesses with limited staffing flexibility
  • Effectiveness debate: Critics may question whether one extra hour meaningfully addresses voting barriers if the actual problem is polling place efficiency, location accessibility, or early/mail voting alternatives
  • Scope of amendments: The broad changes across eight Tennessee Code titles suggest substantive restructuring beyond a simple hour extension, raising questions about what other provisions are being modified

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

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