Constitutional Amendments - Proposes an amendment to Article VI, Section 14 of the Tennessee Constitution to authorize municipalities to impose a civil penalty in excess of $50 for a violation of a municipal ordinance if such penalty is just and reasonable. -

This proposed constitutional amendment (HJR 12) would allow Tennessee municipalities to impose civil penalties exceeding $50 for violations of local ordinances, provided the penalty is "just and reasonable." Currently, Tennessee law limits such fines to $50 without jury assessment, but this amendment would remove that cap for cities and towns. The change would apply specifically to local ordinance violations (like noise or parking rules) and does not require fines to be reviewed by a jury. It is a procedural proposal awaiting legislative action and does not change existing ordinance content or enforcement standards.