Signed by Governor Bill Lee

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends voter registration regulations and penalties.

Highlights:

• Requires the coordinator of elections to offer free voluntary training to individuals or organizations who conduct voter registration drives (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that the above-mentioned training must summarize the laws and procedures regarding voter registration, and a list of those individuals or organizations who complete the training may be published on the secretary of state’s website (Sec. 3).

• Defines “voter registration drive” as the collection of a voter registration application from another person and submitting the collected application to the county or state election commission for the purpose of registering that person to vote, but does not include state or county governmental entities operating in the course and scope of their official duties (Sec. 3).

• Requires any person or organization collecting a voter registration form during a voter registration drive to, within 15 calendar days of receipt, deliver or mail the form to the county election commission in which the applicant resides, provided that the form is submitted within 15 calendar days of the voter registration deadline (Sec. 3).

• Prohibits any person or organization other than a federal, state, or county governmental entity operating in the course and scope of official duties, who conducts a voter registration drive or operates an online voter education platform from copying, photographing, or in any way retaining personal identifying information collected on a voter registration application for any purpose other than voter participation, voter engagement, or voter turnout unless the person or organization informs the applicant how their information will be used and expressly consents (Sec. 3).

• Authorizes the state election commission to impose a maximum civil penalty up to $50 for each violation of the requirements of this act (Sec. 3).

• Requires any person or organization who provides or publishes erroneous or incorrect information regarding the qualifications to vote, the requirements to register to vote, whether an individual voter is currently registered to vote or eligible to register to vote, voter registration deadlines, or polling dates, times, and locations, to immediately notify the appropriate county election commission and the coordinator of elections (Sec. 3).

• Repeals Section 2-19-132 of the Tennessee Code Annotated (Sec. 1).

• Repeals Section 2-2-143 of the Tennessee Code Annotated (Sec. 2).

• Repeals subsections (a), (b), (e), (f), and (g) of Section 2-2-142 of the Tennessee Code Annotated (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text