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SB 1029

Election Laws - As introduced, makes changes to the process for voting absentee under the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. - Amends TCA Title 2, Chapter 6, Part 5.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Janice Bowling

Tennessee bill modifies absentee voting procedures for military members and overseas citizens under federal UOCAVA requirements, currently in committee review.

Placed on Senate State and Local Government Committee calendar for 3/24/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 1029

Legislative bill overview

SB 1029 modifies Tennessee's procedures for administering absentee voting under the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), which governs voting by military members and U.S. citizens living abroad. The bill amends Title 2, Chapter 6, Part 5 of the Tennessee Code Annotated but the specific substantive changes are not detailed in the available introduction materials.

Why is this important

UOCAVA voting affects tens of thousands of Tennesseans serving in the military or residing overseas who depend on absentee mechanisms to exercise voting rights. Changes to absentee voting procedures can impact ballot access, timeline compliance with federal deadlines, and election administration efficiency across counties.

Potential points of contention

  • Specificity of changes unclear: Without detailed amendment language publicly available at this stage, the exact procedural modifications remain undefined, making it difficult to assess intended impacts or unintended consequences
  • Federal-state coordination: Any changes must comply with federal UOCAVA requirements; overly restrictive state modifications could conflict with federal law or create administrative burden on election officials
  • Election administration capacity: County election offices may face new compliance obligations or training requirements depending on what procedural changes are implemented

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

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