SB1997

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, relative to members of the general assembly.

Introduced·1/22/26

Allows longer-serving Tennessee legislators to have their nominating petitions signed by non-eligible voters in their district.

This bill amends Tennessee law to allow nominating petitions for certain long-serving legislators to be signed by registered voters who are not eligible to vote in that member's office. Specifically, it applies to senators who have served at least eight consecutive years or representatives who have served at least ten consecutive years. The change takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
State and Local Government Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Mar 24

10:30 AM

Senate State & Local Government Hearing

Mar 17

8:45 AM

Senate Revenue Subcommittee Of Finance, Ways & Means Hearing

History

Mar 24

Senate

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate State and Local Government Committee

Mar 18

Senate

Placed on Senate State and Local Government Committee calendar for 3/24/2026

Mar 17

Senate

Action deferred in Senate State and Local Government Committee to 3/24/2026