Tennessee House Bill HB1897

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/26
• Refer: 2/4/26
• Failed: 3/10/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, relative to voter registration.

Impact

The implications of HB1897 are significant, particularly for local election authorities. Each county election commission will need to establish a process to access the SAVE program database and periodically verify the entire voter registration list—at least once a quarter. This process may necessitate additional resources and training for election officials, as well as adjustments to current voter registration procedures. Proponents of the bill argue that it protects the sanctity of the electoral process by preventing non-citizen registrations.

Summary

House Bill 1897, introduced by Representative Warner, aims to amend Title 2 of the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically regarding voter registration processes. One of the key provisions of the bill requires each county election commission to verify voter registration applicants' immigration status using the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program. By mandating this check before placing registrants on the voter rolls, the bill seeks to ensure that non-United States citizens do not register to vote in Tennessee, enhancing the overall integrity of the state's electoral system.

Contention

However, the bill has faced criticism from various advocacy groups and political opponents, who argue that it could disenfranchise eligible voters and create barriers to registration, especially for minority populations. Critics maintain that such measures may contribute to unnecessary complications in the voting process and could lead to errors that unjustly flag legitimate voters. The discussion surrounding HB1897 reflects a broader national debate on voter ID laws and the balancing act between ensuring electoral integrity and protecting citizens' rights to vote.