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HB 450

Expunction - As introduced, reduces from 15 years to 10 years the amount of time that must have elapsed since the completion of the sentence imposed for illegal registration or voting before filing a petition for expunction. - Amends TCA Title 2, Chapter 19 and Title 40, Chapter 32.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ronnie Glynn

Tennessee bill reduces waiting period for expunging illegal voter registration or voting convictions from 15 to 10 years after sentence completion.

P2C, caption bill, held on desk - pending amdt.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 450

Legislative bill overview

HB 450 shortens the waiting period for expunging records related to illegal registration or voting convictions from 15 years to 10 years after sentence completion. This allows individuals convicted of these electoral crimes to petition for record removal sooner under Tennessee law.

Why is this important

Expunction removes conviction records from public access, helping individuals reintegrate into employment, housing, and civic life. Reducing the waiting period accelerates this process for a specific category of offenders, though electoral crime convictions remain serious matters affecting voting rights and public trust.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of "illegal registration or voting": The bill doesn't specify which electoral offenses qualify—unclear whether this covers minor administrative violations or only intentional fraud
  • Public record concerns: Critics may argue shorter expunction timelines undermine transparency regarding election integrity violations, while supporters note records remain accessible to law enforcement and courts
  • Proportionality debate: Whether 10 years adequately serves public interest versus individual rehabilitation for crimes tied to democratic processes

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

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