SB 1353 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Criminal Procedure - As introduced, restores the right of suffrage for persons convicted of an infamous crime after expiration of the sentence imposed for the infamous crime; removes requirement that the person pay restitution and court costs and be current in all child support obligations before having the person's right of suffrage restored; permits a person to have the right of suffrage restored without having the person's full rights of citizenship restored. - Amends TCA Title 2 and Title 40.

SB 1353 restores voting rights for Tennessee residents convicted of "infamous crimes" after completing their sentence, removing previous barriers like unpaid restitution, court costs, or current child support obligations. It amends voting eligibility laws to allow this right to be restored without requiring full citizenship rights restoration. The bill updates voter registration forms to accept proof of sentence completion (via court documents or a voting rights certificate) instead of requiring pardons or full citizenship restoration. This directly affects individuals with past convictions who have finished their sentences but were previously barred from voting due to financial or support requirements. The changes apply to both state and federal convictions that qualify as infamous crimes under Tennessee law.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 10, 2025 Last action Mar 23, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
9
Key actions
3
Committee
7
Mar 23, 2026
Committee
Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee
lower
Mar 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/23/2026
lower
Feb 17, 2026
Committee
Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 2/17/2026
lower
Mar 31, 2025
Committee
Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee
lower
Mar 26, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/31/2025
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
Feb 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Raumesh Akbari
Raumesh Akbari
DDemocratic
TN
29