Tennessee House Bill HB1499

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/26
• Refer: 1/14/26
• Refer: 2/18/26
• Refer: 3/18/26
• Chaptered: 4/28/26
• Passed: 4/28/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3, Chapter 18, relative to Article V conventions.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1499 will have significant implications for how Tennessee engages with the constitutional amendment process. It aims to clarify the roles of commissioners and set restrictions on their authority and activities at the convention. This includes a prohibition against promoting changes that deviate from the traditional voting procedures and protecting the guarantees of individual liberties as established in the U.S. Constitution. The bill also stipulates that commissioners may lose their eligibility to run for state office shortly after attending a convention, which could impact political ambitions of those involved.

Summary

House Bill 1499 aims to amend Tennessee's laws related to Article V conventions, specifically addressing the processes and authority of commissioners who attend these conventions. The bill establishes a framework for appointing commissioners and alternate commissioners, detailing their qualifications, powers, and the procedures they must follow. It mandates that commissioners represent Tennessee's interests at conventions called for the purpose of proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The bill is focused on ensuring that the state can have a say in potential amendments that may affect its governance or constitutional rights.

Contention

While the bill outlines procedural standards, it has been met with varying perspectives regarding the limits it places on commissioners. Some proponents argue that these restrictions are necessary to maintain state sovereignty and protect citizens' rights during the amendment process. However, there are concerns about whether such limitations may hinder Tennessee's ability to effectively negotiate changes at the national level. Critics may view the eligibility restrictions as a potential deterrent for capable individuals who might otherwise serve as commissioners, questioning the overall efficiency of Tennessee's representation in this critical legislative arena.