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SB 366

Election Laws - As introduced, requires the officers of a party to file with the secretary of state and with the coordinator of elections a copy of the rules under which the party and its subdivisions operate within 15 days, instead of 30 days, following adoption in order for the party to have nominees on a ballot or exercise other rights of a political party. - Amends TCA Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 17; Title 27; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 54; Title 57 and Title 67.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Richard Briggs

Tennessee bill SB 366 cuts political party rule-filing deadline from 30 to 15 days for ballot access and party rights exercise.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate State and Local Government Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 366

Legislative bill overview

SB 366 accelerates the timeline for political parties to file their operating rules with Tennessee's Secretary of State and local election coordinators, reducing the filing deadline from 30 days to 15 days after adoption. Failure to meet this deadline would prevent the party from having nominees appear on ballots or exercising other political party rights. The bill makes corresponding amendments across multiple sections of Tennessee law.

Why is this important

This change affects ballot access and party legitimacy in Tennessee elections. Political parties rely on timely ballot certification to field candidates in general elections, so a compressed timeline could create practical challenges for party administration, particularly smaller or newly-formed parties. The broad scope of amendments across 12 Tennessee Code Titles suggests this is part of a larger election law restructuring effort.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden: The 50% reduction in filing time may strain party administrative capacity, especially for smaller parties with limited staff during busy election cycles
  • Ballot access equity: Accelerated deadlines could disadvantage emerging political parties or those with decentralized governance structures that require longer consensus-building periods
  • Lack of justification: The bill summary provides no stated rationale for why 15 days is necessary rather than the current 30-day standard, making it difficult to assess whether the urgency is warranted

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

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