Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
Tennessee State Senators voted to pass legislation that will require election coordinators to compare the statewide voter registration database with the Department of Safety database to ensure that there are no illegal aliens registered to vote.
Senate Bill 0137 (SB0137) was brought by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald-District 28). Hensley introduced the bill to the floor and requested to substitute and conform to the companion House Bill 0835 (HB0835), sponsored by State Representative Bryan Richey (R-Maryville-District 20).
Senator Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville-District 20) asked for clarification on what the bill was intended to do.
Hensley explained that existing law allows election coordinators to compare the two databases, so this legislation would just make that a requirement.
“This is a way to ensure that someone is not inadvertently on there if they are not a US citizen,” Hensley said.
After additional clarification was provided at the request of Senator London Lamar (D-Memphis-District 33), the vote was taken.
The legislation passed with 25 ayes and 3 nays. Only Democratic Senators Campbell, Lamar, and Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville-District 21) voted against the bill.
The House passed the legislation on April 4. The bill will now be transmitted to Governor Lee to await his signature.
