Tennessee Eases Voting Rights Restoration Rules for Felons

New law removes child support and court cost requirements for restoring voting rights after a felony conviction.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:56pm

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A photorealistic painting of a solitary metal ballot box sitting on a wooden desk in a dimly lit government office, with warm diagonal sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood.The easing of financial barriers to voting rights restoration in Tennessee aims to restore civic participation for those who have served their time.Today in Nashville

Tennessee has passed a new law that eases two longstanding financial hurdles for people with felony convictions who want to have their voting rights restored. The law now allows people to prove they have complied with child support orders for the last year, rather than requiring full payment. It also unties the payment of all court costs from the voting rights restoration process.

Why it matters

Advocates have long sought changes to Tennessee's strict voting rights restoration system, which was seen as creating unnecessary barriers for formerly incarcerated individuals. This new law marks a significant rollback of restrictions, making it easier for people with felony convictions to regain their right to vote.

The details

The Republican-controlled legislature approved the Democratic-sponsored change, which was supported by both parties. The law took effect immediately upon being signed by Republican Governor Bill Lee. Previously, Tennessee was unique among states in requiring full payment of child support costs before voting rights could be restored. The new law also removes the requirement to pay all court costs associated with a conviction.

  • The new law took effect immediately upon being signed by Governor Bill Lee in April 2026.
  • In 2023 and early 2024, Tennessee had decided the voting rights restoration process required going to court and showing proof of a pardon, rather than a simple paperwork process.

The players

Keeda Haynes

Senior attorney for the advocacy group Free Hearts, which is led by formerly incarcerated women.

Karen Camper

Democratic House Minority Leader and a sponsor of the bill.

Randy McNally

Tennessee Senate Speaker, who voted against the bill.

Cameron Sexton

Tennessee House Speaker, who supported the bill.

Johnny Garrett

Republican state representative who voted against the bill.

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What they’re saying

“This is huge and this is history.”

— Keeda Haynes, Senior attorney, Free Hearts

“I think people are at a point where they want to just remove the barriers out of the way and allow people to be fully functional members of society.”

— Karen Camper, Democratic House Minority Leader

“They need to continue paying that, and as long as they do, then there's a possibility (to restore their voting rights). I really think that's harder for people to argue against than maybe what something else was.”

— Cameron Sexton, Tennessee House Speaker

What’s next

Advocates say this new law represents the biggest rollback of voting rights restoration restrictions in Tennessee in decades, but they may continue to push for further changes, such as automatic restoration of rights or removing the requirement to pay restitution.

The takeaway

Tennessee's new law easing financial barriers to voting rights restoration for people with felony convictions is a significant step forward, but the state still has more work to do to fully enfranchise formerly incarcerated individuals and ensure equitable access to the ballot box.