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Article by Olivia Lupia, Tennessee Conservative News –
Alongside the elections for State Representatives and Senators, Governor, and several federal offices, Tennessee voters will also have a chance to decide on three proposed amendments to the state constitution in November, with the Secretary of State’s Office (SOS) providing summaries of each one so voters can start familiarizing themselves ahead of the upcoming general election.
The summaries are prepared by Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti as required by state law and are intended to help voters understand exactly what will be presented to them on Election Day.
TN Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins said, “Taking a few minutes to learn about the proposed amendments before heading to the polls can help voters feel confident and prepared. We encourage voters to review the summaries, familiarize themselves with the amendments, and make a plan to vote on November 3.”
Before it reaches the ballot box, a constitutional amendment must first be presented as a Joint Resolution in the state legislature, passing the General Assembly with a majority vote the first year and a 2/3 majority the next.
Once before voters, the amendment must receive more “Yes” votes than “No”, and the number of “Yes” votes must be greater than half of all votes cast in the governor’s race.
This year, voters will decide upon three areas: revoking bail for certain crimes, a ban on statewide property tax, and expanded victims’ rights.
Amendment #1: Right to Bail– SJR0025
This amendment would allow judges to decide whether or not a person is eligible for bail for certain crimes where “the proof is evident or the presumption is great.” Besides capital offenses, these crimes would include second-degree murder, acts of terrorism, aggravated rape of a child, aggravated rape, grave torture, or any crime for which a convicted person would be required to serve 85% of their sentence.
Currently, the Tennessee Constitution protects the right to bail for all offenders except those charged with a capital crime.
Amendment #2: State Property Tax- SJR0001
Though Tennessee does not currently have a statewide property tax, and has not had one for over 75 years, this amendment would codify that law into the state constitution to ensure legislators cannot try to impose one in the future.
State officials have been rallying support for the measure, creating the Yes On 2 initiative to emphasize that Tennesseans “should never fear that their homes, farms, and business could be double taxed, first by their local government, then again by their state government. Let’s protect Tennessee Taxpayers.”
Amendment #3: Victims’ Rights- SJR0009
Dubbed Marsy’s Law, the third amendment would ensure crime victims have enforceable rights throughout the criminal justice process. While maintaining all current victims’ rights, the amendment enumerates 13 expanded rights including:
- Full and timely restitution from the offender
- To be informed about and participate in the parole process upon request
- To be present at all public criminal or juvenile delinquency proceedings involving the accused
- Reasonable notice of the accused/convicted person’s release, transfer or escape upon request
- Protection from harassment, intimidation, and abuse
- To be informed of the minimum sentence the convicted criminal will serve & their scheduled release date upon request
- To have the safety of themselves, their families, and the public considered before any decision is made to release the convicted criminal
To read the full amendment summaries, see exactly how they will be worded on the ballot, or for more details about the process of how amendments are created or passed, visit the SOS informational web page HERE.
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About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
Yes to all.