SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION NO. RS2000-434

A substitute resolution requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to introduce and adopt legislation that would permit persons convicted of felonies, except murder, rape, treason, voter fraud, or multiple offenders, to have their full rights of citizenship and right to suffrage restored automatically upon completing service of any sentence imposed.

WHEREAS, T.C.A. Section 40-29-105 provides that persons convicted of felonies which have been deemed infamous may have their rights of citizenship restored by filing a petition in the appropriate circuit court of the county where they reside or where the crime occurs, and after a court hearing may have their full citizenship restored and the right to vote; and

WHEREAS, that upon completion of their sentence such convicted felons whose citizenship and right to suffrage have been revoked, except for murder rape, treason, voter fraud, or multiple offenders, should automatically be restored without requiring court approval.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

SECTION 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to adopt legislation that would permit persons convicted of felonies, except murder, rape, treason, voter fraud, or multiple offenders, to have their full rights of citizenship and right to suffrage restored automatically upon completing service of any sentence imposed.

SECTION 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

SECTION 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Ludye Wallace