reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-118 - Unlawful acts related to voting machines, electronic poll books, voting devices, voting systems, vote tabulating devices, ballot tally software program source codes, official voter registration database, keys, or election websites

(a)
A person commits an offense who, before, during, or after an election:
(1)
Intentionally tampers, interferes, or attempts to interfere with the correct operation of, or damages in order to prevent the use of, a voting machine, electronic poll book, voting device, voting system, vote tabulating device, or ballot tally software program source codes;
(2)
Intentionally tampers with, interferes with, attempts to interfere with, obtains unauthorized access to, or attempts to obtain unauthorized access to the official voter registration database, including, but not limited to, attempts to obtain plans, security codes, passwords, combinations, or computer programs used to protect electronic information and government property or information that would identify those areas of structural or operational vulnerability that would permit unlawful disruption to, or interference with the official voter registration database;
(3)
Knowingly and without authorization makes or has in the person's possession a key to a voting machine, voting system, tabulator, or ballot box that will be used in an election in this state;
(4)
Intentionally substitutes or attempts to substitute forged or counterfeit election results; or
(5)
Intentionally and without authorization, directly or indirectly, alters, damages, destroys, or attempts to alter, damage, or destroy or causes disruption to the proper operation of any election website maintained, hosted, or administered by a state or county governmental entity or a third party on behalf of or under contract with a state or county governmental entity.
(b)
A violation of subsection (a) is a Class D felony.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 635, s 2, eff. 4/1/2020.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1918; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1994, ch. 859, § 11.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-119 - Violation of Section 2-7-111 while boundary signs are posted

A person commits a Class C misdemeanor if such person violates §
2-7-111
while boundary signs are posted.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1919; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-121 - Candidate bargaining for support

It is unlawful for any candidate for nomination or election in any state, county, city or district office, to expend, pay, promise, or loan or become pecuniarily liable in any way for money or other thing of value, either directly or indirectly, or to agree to enter into any contract with any person to vote for or support any particular policy or measure, in consideration of the vote or support, moral or financial, of such person. A violation of this section shall be punished as provided in §
2-19-123
.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1921.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-122 - Demanding candidate make promise

It is unlawful for any person to demand that any candidate for nomination or office shall promise or agree in advance to support any particular individual, policy or measure, in consideration of the vote or support, financial or moral, of such person, in any election, primary or nominating convention. A violation of this section shall be punished as provided in §
2-19-123
.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1922.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-123 - Penalty for violation of Section 2-19-121 or Section 2-19-122

A violation of any of the provisions of §
2-19-121
or §
2-19-122
is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1923; Acts 1989, ch. 591 § 13.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-124 - Exceptions to Section 2-19-121 or Section 2-19-122

Nothing in §
2-19-121
or §
2-19-122
shall render illegal any expenditures made by any candidate, or by others, for or on the candidate's behalf, to employ clerks or stenographers in the candidate's campaign, for the printing and advertising therein, or the seeking of suitable halls for public speaking or meetings, or suitable headquarters, stationery and stamps, or the actual traveling expenses of such candidate or the candidate's supporters.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1924.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-125 - Bribing election officials

It is unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, personally or through any other person, to give or offer to give a bribe to any election official or to any administrator of elections or to any member of a board or commission holding office under this title as a consideration for any act done or omitted to be done contrary to such official's official duty under this title.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1925.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-126 - Bribing voters

It is unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, personally or through any other person to:
(1)
Pay, loan, contribute, or offer or promise to pay, loan or contribute any money, property, or other valuable thing, to or for any voter, or to or for any other person, to induce such voter or any voter to vote or refrain from voting in any political convention, primary or final election of any kind or character, or to induce such voter or voters to vote or refrain from voting at any such convention, primary or final election for or against any particular person or measure, or on account of any voter having voted for or against any particular person or measure, or having gone to or remained away from the polls at any such convention, primary or final election;
(2)
Give, offer, or promise any place, office or employment, or promise or procure any place, office or employment, to or for any voter, or to or for any other person, in order to induce such voter to vote or refrain from voting at any convention, primary or final election, or to induce any voter at such convention or primary or final election to vote or refrain from voting for any particular person or measure;
(3)
Advance or pay or cause to be paid any money or other valuable thing to or for the use of any voter, or to or for the use of any other person, with the intent that the same or any part thereof shall be used in bribery at any primary or final election, or otherwise unlawfully used at, concerning, or in connection with any such primary or final election; or knowingly pay or cause to be paid any money or other valuable thing in discharge or repayment of money or other valuable thing wholly or in part expended in bribery or other unlawful use at or in connection with any such primary or final election; or
(4)
Advance, pay or cause to be paid, as expenses or otherwise, to or for the use of any person, any money or other valuable thing in order to induce such person or any person to work for, solicit or seek to influence votes for or against any particular person or measure, at or in connection with any convention, primary or final election; or induce such person or persons to procure, solicit or influence any voter to attend, leave, or remain away from any such convention, primary or final election; or pay or cause to be paid any money or other valuable thing to or for the use or benefit of any person in discharge or payment of or for time, labor, expenses, or services alleged to have been spent, performed, incurred, or rendered for or against any person, at or in connection with any such convention, primary or final election; provided, that this shall not include payment of expenses for soliciting attendance of any person upon party conventions, primaries, or final elections; and provided further, that nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit expenditures otherwise allowed by law.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1926.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-127 - Voter accepting bribe

It is unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, personally or through any other person, to:
(1)
Receive, agree to receive, or contract for, before or during any primary or final election or convention provided by law, any money, gift, loan, or other valuable consideration, or any office, place or employment for such person or for any other person, for voting or agreeing to vote, or for going to or remaining or agreeing to remain away from the polls, or refraining or agreeing to refrain from voting for any particular person or measure, at or in connection with any such convention, primary or election; or
(2)
Receive any money or other valuable thing during or after any convention, primary or final election provided by law, on account of such person or any other person, for voting or refraining from voting for any person or measure, or for going to the polls or remaining away from the polls at any such convention, primary or final election, or on account of having induced any person to vote or refrain from voting for any particular person or measure at any such convention, primary or final election.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1927.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-128 - Penalty for violation of Sections 2-19-125 - 2-19-127

Any person convicted of any of the offenses mentioned in §§
2-19-125
- 2-19-127 commits a Class C felony.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1928; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 9.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-129 - Betting on election - Penalty

A person commits a Class C misdemeanor if such person makes any bet or wager of money or other valuable thing upon any election.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1929; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-130 - Candidate betting with voter

It is a Class C misdemeanor for any candidate for public office, before or during any primary or final election provided by law, to make any bet or wager with a voter, or to take a share or interest in, or in any manner become a party to any such bet or wager, or provide or agree to provide any money to be used by another in making such bet or wager, upon any event or contingency whatever, arising out of such election.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1930; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-131 - Betting with voter to procure a challenge or to prevent him from voting

It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person, directly or indirectly, to make a bet or wager with a voter, depending upon the result of any primary or final election provided by law, with the intent thereby to procure the challenge of such voter, or to prevent the voter from voting at such election.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1931; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-132 - [Repealed] Reserved

Repealed by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 654, s 1, eff. 4/2/2020.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 6, eff. 10/1/2019.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-133 - False or misleading information regarding voting

(a)
A person commits an offense who, with intent to deceive or disseminate information that person knows to be incorrect, provides or publishes false or misleading information regarding the qualifications to vote, the requirements to register to vote, whether an individual voter is currently registered to vote or eligible to register to vote, voter registration deadlines, or polling dates, times, and locations.
(b)
A violation of subsection (a) is a Class E felony.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-134 - Coercing or directing employees to vote for measure, party, or person - Penalty

(a)
It is unlawful for any person to coerce or direct any employee to vote for any measure, party or person who may be a candidate for any office, or for any person who may be a candidate for nomination for any office, to threaten the discharge of such employee if the employee votes or does not vote for any such candidate for nomination or for office, or for any particular policy or measure.
(b)
It is unlawful to discharge any employee on account of such employee's exercise or failure to exercise the suffrage, or to give out or circulate any statement or report calculated to intimidate or coerce any employee to vote or not to vote for any candidate or measure.
(c)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1934; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-135 - Threatening work stoppage as a result of election

It is a Class C misdemeanor for any employer, within ninety (90) days of any election or primary provided for by law, to put up or otherwise exhibit in such employer's factory, workshop, mine, mill, boardinghouse, office, or other establishment or place where employees may be working or may be present in the course of their employment, any handbill, notice, or placard containing any threat, notice or information that in case any particular ticket or candidate shall or shall not be elected, work in that establishment shall cease in whole or in part, or the wages or number of workers be reduced, or other threats, express or implied, intended or calculated to influence the political opinions or actions of the employees.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1935; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-136 - Grand jury witness immunity

When any person, without such person's contrivance or procurement, is sent as a witness before the grand jury and is examined before them touching offenses under this chapter, no person against whom such person's evidence is given can afterwards be used as a witness against the person when on trial for an offense under this chapter committed previous to the person's being examined as a witness as aforementioned.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1944.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-137 - Violators as witnesses - Exemption from prosecution

A person offending against any of the provisions of this chapter shall be a competent witness against any other person violating any provisions of this chapter, and may be compelled to attend and testify upon any trial, hearing, proceeding, or investigation in the same manner as any other person, but the testimony so given shall not be used in any prosecution or proceeding, civil or criminal, against the person so testifying, except for perjury in giving such testimony, and a person so testifying shall not thereafter be liable to indictment, prosecution, or punishment for the offense with reference to which such testimony was given, and may plead or prove the giving of the testimony accordingly in bar of such an indictment or prosecution.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1945.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-138 - Defects or irregularities in conventions or elections no defense

No defect or irregularity in calling any political convention, or any primary or final election, nor any irregularity in the proceedings or organization or conduct thereof, shall be available as a defense under this chapter.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1946.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-139 - Permitted expenses

(a)
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a candidate in any political convention or in any primary or final election, or any person, from employing and maintaining a proper clerical or office force so employed and maintained in good faith, nor to prevent any political parties, candidates, nominees, and organizations from disseminating literature and defraying the expense of public speakers, nor from announcing any candidacy in any newspaper.
(b)
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the hiring of conveyances for voters who may be sick or otherwise unable to go to the polls; provided, that such expenses shall in no case exceed those allowed by law.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1947.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-140 - Penalty against corporation and officers

(a)
Any corporation offending against this chapter may be found guilty, and it and its officers through whom such offense was committed shall be fined and the officers imprisoned as other persons under this chapter.
(b)
Any corporation violating §
2-19-126
or §
2-19-134
shall in addition forfeit its charter and right to do business in this state.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1948.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-141 - Disposition of fines

All fines collected under this chapter shall be turned into the school fund.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1949.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-142 - Knowingly publishing false campaign literature

It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person to publish or distribute or cause to be published or distributed any campaign literature in opposition to any candidate in any election if such person knows that any such statement, charge, allegation, or other matter contained therein with respect to such candidate is false.
Acts 1974, ch. 704, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1950; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-143 - Suffrage for persons convicted of infamous crimes

The following provisions shall govern the exercise of the right of suffrage for those persons convicted of an infamous crime:
(1)
No person who has been convicted of an infamous crime, as defined by §
40-20-112
, in this state shall be permitted to register to vote or vote at any election unless such person has been pardoned by the governor, or the person's full rights of citizenship have otherwise been restored as prescribed by law. However, the governor may attach to any such pardon a special condition that such person shall not have the right of suffrage until a date certain in the future, or until the expiration of the pardoned sentence, whichever period of time is less;
(2)
No person who has been convicted in federal court of a crime or offense which would constitute an infamous crime under the laws of this state, regardless of the sentence imposed, shall be allowed to register to vote or vote at any election unless such person has been pardoned or restored to the full rights of citizenship by the president of the United States, or the person's full rights of citizenship have otherwise been restored in accordance with federal law, or the law of this state;
(3)
No person who has been convicted in another state of a crime or offense which would constitute an infamous crime under the laws of this state, regardless of the sentence imposed, shall be allowed to register to vote or vote at any election in this state unless such person has been pardoned or restored to the rights of citizenship by the governor or other appropriate authority of such other state, or the person's full rights of citizenship have otherwise been restored in accordance with the laws of such other state, or the law of this state;
(4)
The provisions of this section, relative to the forfeiture and restoration of the right of suffrage for those persons convicted of infamous crimes, shall also apply to those persons convicted of crimes prior to May 18, 1981, which are infamous crimes after May 18, 1981.
Acts 1981, ch. 345, §§ 2, 8; 1983, ch. 207, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 1 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES GENERALLY (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-144) › Section 2-19-144 - Campaign advertising

It is unlawful for any person to place or attach any type of show-card, poster, or advertising material or device, including election campaign literature, on any kind of poles, towers, or fixtures of any public utility company, whether privately or publicly owned or as defined in §
65-4-101
, unless legally authorized to do so.
Acts 1983, ch. 353, §§ 1-4; Acts 1997, ch. 45, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 2 - OFFENSES BY PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES ("LITTLE HATCH ACT") › Section 2-19-201 - Part definitions

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Election" includes all elections, local, municipal, primary, general, state, federal and special and any election in the state or any county, municipality or other political subdivision thereof, but does not include referenda or issues submitted to a vote of the people, political convention or caucus;
(2)
"Public funds" and "public lands, offices, buildings, vehicles and facilities" include those owned and supported principally by public money appropriated from the state treasury. "Public lands, offices, buildings, vehicles, and facilities" include those owned and used by a local education agency (LEA);
(3)
"Public officers and employees" means all employees of the executive branch of the state government, or any department, division, or agency thereof, and all appointed officers and employees of any educational institution, establishment, corporation or agency supported principally by state funds, including teachers. Popularly elected officials, officials elected by the general assembly, qualified candidates for public office, members of the governor's cabinet, and members of the governor's staff are expressly excluded from this part, except for §
2-19-202
; and
(4)
"Teacher" means any person employed in a public school system as a teacher, helping teacher, teacher's aide, librarian, principal, supervisor, director of schools, or member of the administrative staff.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 239, Secs.s 2, s 3, s 4 eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 239, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1936.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 2 - OFFENSES BY PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES ("LITTLE HATCH ACT") › Section 2-19-202 - Interference with election or nomination

(a)
It is unlawful for any public officer or employee to use such person's official position, authority or influence to interfere with an election or nomination for office or directly or indirectly attempt to intimidate, coerce or command any other officer or employee to vote for or against any measure, party or person, or knowingly receive or pay assessments of any kind or character for political purposes or for election expenses from any other officer or employee.
(b)
It is the intent of this section to prohibit any political intimidation or coercion of any public officer or employee.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1937.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 2 - OFFENSES BY PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES ("LITTLE HATCH ACT") › Section 2-19-203 - Soliciting contributions for political purposes

(a)
It is unlawful for any public officer or employee knowingly to solicit directly or indirectly any contribution of money, thing of value, facilities or services of any person who has received contracts, compensation, employment, loans, grants or benefits, or any person whose organization, agency or firm has received such benefits financed by public funds, state, federal or local, for political purposes or campaign expense.
(b)
(1)
As used in this subsection (b), unless the context otherwise requires, "contribution" means any advance, conveyance, deposit, distribution, transfer of funds, loan, loan guaranty, payment, gift, or subscription, of money or thing of value, including, but not limited to, use of a facility or provision of personal services, for use on behalf of any candidate for political office, or for any political purpose or campaign expense.
(2)
It is unlawful knowingly to solicit, accept, or collect, directly or indirectly, any contribution from a public officer or employee if the solicitor or the solicitor's principal is, directly or indirectly, in a supervisory capacity over such officer or employee or is otherwise able to control the retention, promotion, demotion, or terms or conditions of employment of such officer or employee.
(3)
This subsection (b) shall not be construed to prevent voluntary contributions from political action committees and associations of public officers and/or employees.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1979, ch. 280, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1938; Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 5.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 2 - OFFENSES BY PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES ("LITTLE HATCH ACT") › Section 2-19-204 - Promises of benefits for political activity

It is unlawful for any public officer or employee, directly or indirectly, to promise employment, position, work, compensation, contracts, loans, grants, appropriations or other benefits provided principally from public funds as a consideration, favor or reward for any political activity, support or opposition to any candidate, party or measure in any election.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1939.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 2 - OFFENSES BY PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES ("LITTLE HATCH ACT") › Section 2-19-205 - Deprivation, attempts to deprive, or threats to deprive persons of benefits

It is unlawful for any public officer or employee, directly or indirectly, to deprive, attempt to deprive, or threaten to deprive any person of employment, position, work, compensation, contracts, loans, grants, appropriations or benefits provided principally from public funds for any political activity, support or opposition to any candidate, party or measure in any election.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1940.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 2 - OFFENSES BY PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES ("LITTLE HATCH ACT") › Section 2-19-206 - Use of state-owned property for campaign advertising or activities

(a)
It is unlawful for any elected or appointed official of the state, or any employee of the state or any department, division or agency thereof, to display campaign literature, banners, placards, streamers, stickers, signs or other items of campaign or political advertising on behalf of any party, committee or agency or candidate for political office, on the premises of any building or land owned by the state, or to use any of the facilities of the state, including equipment and vehicles, for such purposes.
(b)
It is unlawful to use public buildings or facilities for meetings or preparation of campaign activity in support of any particular candidate, party or measure unless reasonably equal opportunity is provided for presentation of all sides or views, or reasonably equal access to the buildings or facilities is provided all sides.
(c)
This section shall not be construed to prohibit an employee from displaying a decal or bumper stickers on the employee's personal vehicle while parked on state property.
(d)
(1)
Subsections (a), (b), and (c) shall not apply to teachers.
(2)
It is unlawful for any teacher to display campaign literature, banners, placards, streamers, stickers, signs, or other items of campaign or political advertising on behalf of any party, committee or agency, or candidate for partisan or nonpartisan public office elected by the people, on the premises of any building or land owned by a local education agency (LEA), or to use any of the facilities of the LEA, including equipment and vehicles, for such purposes. This subdivision (d)(2) does not apply to the display of campaign banners, placards, streamers, stickers, signs, or other items of campaign or political advertising on LEA-owned property or the use of LEA equipment, when the display or use is a part of and solely for the purpose of the LEA's program of student education relative to the electoral process. Except for the use of LEA-owned equipment and vehicles, this subdivision (d)(2) does not apply to a teacher during hours in which the teacher is not performing school duties.
(3)
This subsection (d) shall not be construed to prohibit any teacher from displaying a decal or bumper sticker on the teacher's personal vehicle while the vehicle is parked on LEA property.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 239,s 5, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1941; Acts 2008, ch. 650, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 19 - PROHIBITED PRACTICES (§§ 2-19-101 — 2-19-208) › Part 2 - OFFENSES BY PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES ("LITTLE HATCH ACT") › Section 2-19-208 - Penalty for violations by public officers and employees

A violation of this part is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1943; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 20 - TENNESSEE VOTER CONFIDENCE ACT (§§ 2-20-101 — 2-20-109) › Section 2-20-101 - Utilization of precinct-based optical scanners

(a)
A county election commission may utilize precinct-based optical scanners.
(b)
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Performance audit" means a review of the procedures followed to conduct the election;
(2)
"Precinct-based optical scanner" means an optical ballot scanner that is located in the precinct and into which optical scan voter-verified paper ballots, marked either by hand by the voter or with the assistance of a device, are inserted to count the voter verified paper ballot;
(3)
"Risk-limiting audit" means a protocol which checks a random sample of ballots chosen by statistical methods;
(4)
"Top race" means the presidential race, if the presidential race is on the ballot, or the governor's race, if the governor's race is on the ballot;
(5)
"Traditional audit" means a protocol which requires bipartisan teams of election officials to hand count a number of randomly chosen ballots; and
(6)
"Voter-verified paper ballot" means a permanent, individual paper ballot that is marked either manually by the voter or with the assistance of a device and verified by the voter as correctly reflecting the voter's intent, before the voter's vote is counted by the precinct-based optical scanner.
(c)
It is the intent of the general assembly that any county election commission utilizing a precinct-based optical scanner pursuant to this chapter shall comply in all respects with this chapter and federal law.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 965, s 1, eff. 5/2/2022.
Acts 2008 , ch. 1108, §3; 2010 , ch. 612, §§2, 3; 2011 , ch. 301, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 20 - TENNESSEE VOTER CONFIDENCE ACT (§§ 2-20-101 — 2-20-109) › Section 2-20-102 - Voter with disabilities - Privacy of ballot

All voting systems shall meet the minimum federal law requirements with regard to enabling voters with disabilities to complete the voting process in a manner that maintains the privacy of the voter's ballot.
Acts 2008, ch. 1108, § 3.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 20 - TENNESSEE VOTER CONFIDENCE ACT (§§ 2-20-101 — 2-20-109) › Section 2-20-104 - Electronic voting systems - Rules and regulations - Testing of equipment

(a)
(1)
All new precinct-based optical scanners purchased or leased pursuant to this chapter:
(A)
Shall be certified pursuant to §
2-9-110
and shall have been certified by the election assistance commission as having met the applicable voluntary voting systems guidelines. In addition, the precinct-based optical scanners shall be tested to ensure the scanners operate in accordance with the guidelines; and
(B)
Shall, with all relevant documentation, be made available by their vendors, at the request of the state election commission or the secretary of state for review by an independent expert, selected by the state election commission or the secretary of state, to ensure the functionality and security of its systems.
(2)
The state coordinator of elections shall enact necessary rules and regulations to require that all required tests are properly conducted on the precinct-based optical scanners as well as requiring a sufficient review be conducted of the precinct-based optical scanners and the relevant documentation to ensure compliance with this subsection (a).
(b)
Prior to each election, all precinct-based optical scanners purchased, leased or used by any county election commission pursuant to this chapter shall be subject to acceptance testing by the commission in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the state coordinator of elections.
(c)
With respect to precinct-based optical scanners purchased or leased pursuant to this chapter, vendors shall provide access to all information required by law, rule or regulation, which shall be placed in escrow with an agent designated by the secretary of state.
(d)
No precinct-based optical scanners used in an election in this state shall have any capability, enabled or disabled, for wireless communication of any sort.
Acts 2008 , ch. 1108, §3; 2010 , ch. 612, §4; 2011 , ch. 301, § 3.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 20 - TENNESSEE VOTER CONFIDENCE ACT (§§ 2-20-101 — 2-20-109) › Section 2-20-105 - Duties and powers of coordinator of elections

(a)
At the request of a county election commission, the state coordinator of elections shall provide to the commission necessary assistance and guidance in the selection of a precinct-based optical scanner pursuant to the requirements of this chapter. To the extent federal funding through the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), compiled generally in
42 U.S.C. §§ 15301
et seq., remains available for the cost of purchasing or leasing any new precinct-based optical scanners, the coordinator shall provide financial assistance for purchasing or leasing such machines.
(b)
(1)
The coordinator of elections shall provide a list of authorized printers for any county election commission to utilize for the printing of ballots required pursuant to this chapter.
(2)
The coordinator of elections is authorized to explore the feasibility of utilizing ballot-on-demand technology.
Acts 2008 , ch. 1108, §3; 2011 , ch. 301, § 4.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 20 - TENNESSEE VOTER CONFIDENCE ACT (§§ 2-20-101 — 2-20-109) › Section 2-20-106 - Voting system preference

Every effort shall be made to purchase United States manufactured precinct-based optical scanner voting systems.
Acts 2010, ch. 612, § 5.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 20 - TENNESSEE VOTER CONFIDENCE ACT (§§ 2-20-101 — 2-20-109) › Section 2-20-107 - Guidelines to conduct post-election audits

The coordinator of elections may issue guidelines to be followed by election officials in conducting post-election audits.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 965,s 2, eff. 5/2/2022.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 20 - TENNESSEE VOTER CONFIDENCE ACT (§§ 2-20-101 — 2-20-109) › Section 2-20-108 - Posting of instructions where precinct-based optical scanners are utilized

In any polling place where precinct-based optical scanners are utilized, the election commission shall post instructions stating, "Please check the recorded votes on your ballot before inserting into scanner."
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 965,s 5, eff. 5/2/2022.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-123) › Section 3-1-101 - Composition

The general assembly shall consist of a senate composed of thirty-three (33) members and a house of representatives composed of ninety-nine (99) members, to be apportioned among the qualified voters of the several counties and districts as provided in §§
3-1-102
and
3-1-103
.
Acts 1965 (E.S.), ch. 3, § 2; modified; T.C.A., § 3-101.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-123) › Section 3-1-104 - Residence requirements - Counties electing two or more direct representatives

In those counties entitled to elect two (2) or more direct representatives and divided by §
3-1-103
into representative districts, a candidate for election to the office of representative shall not be required to reside in the representative district from which such candidate seeks to be elected, but shall be a resident of the county.
Acts 1965 (E.S.), ch. 3, § 11; modified; T.C.A., § 3-111.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-123) › Section 3-1-105 - Oaths of office

(a)
The speaker of the senate may administer the official oath to any senators-elect, in the presence of the senate.
(b)
The speaker of the house of representatives may administer the official oath to any members-elect of the house of representatives, in the presence of the house.
(c)
The speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives may also administer the oath of office to the clerks and doorkeepers of their respective houses.
(d)
(1)
The members of the general assembly may administer the official oath of office for any local public official of any municipality or county, including any county having metropolitan form of government, or any other political subdivision of the state.
(2)
For purposes of this section, "local public official" means a person elected or appointed to any office or entity of local government.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 576,s 1, eff. 3/28/2014.
Acts 1865-1866, ch. 25, §§ 1-3; Shan., §§ 223-225; mod. Code 1932, §§ 163-165; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-112.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-123) › Section 3-1-107 - Salaries

(a)
(1)
Beginning with the election of the Ninety-Sixth General Assembly, each member shall receive an annual salary of sixteen thousand five hundred dollars ($16,500), payable in equal monthly installments, which shall be in addition to all other expenses and allowances provided by law.
(2)
Beginning with the election of the Ninety-Seventh General Assembly, in addition to the base annual salary provided in subdivision (a)(1), during the interim between sessions, for each day while performing official duties as a legislator attending to state business at the seat of government, each member may receive supplemental compensation in an amount as provided in §
3-1-106(b)(1)
. Such days shall be certified by the member to the speaker of the respective house for prior approval.
(b)
In lieu of the salary provided in subsection (a), the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives shall receive an annual salary equal to three (3) times the amount of the salary provided in subsection (a), payable in equal monthly installments, which shall be in addition to all other expenses and allowances provided by law.
(c)
(1)
Except as provided in subdivision (c)(2), for the fiscal year beginning in 2005, and for each subsequent fiscal year, the base salary fixed in subdivision (a)(1) shall be adjusted to reflect the average percentage pay increase provided for state employees by the general appropriations act. However, any adjustments occurring during a term of the general assembly shall not take effect until the election of the next general assembly. On or before November 1 of each year, the comptroller of the treasury shall certify to the office of legislative administration such average increase in state employee's compensation during that fiscal year.
(2)
Notwithstanding this section to the contrary, beginning with the election of the One Hundred Twelfth General Assembly, the base salary of each member shall not be adjusted pursuant to subdivision (c)(1) for fiscal year 2020-2021.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 759, Secs.s10, s11 eff. 6/30/2020.
Acts 1969, ch. 307, §§ 1, 2; modified; Acts 1972, ch. 526, § 2; T.C.A., § 3-115; Acts 1984, ch. 709, §§ 4, 5; 1988, ch. 972, § 1; 1988, ch. 1027, § 2; 1990, ch. 867, § 3; 2004, ch. 955, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-123) › Section 3-1-108 - Joint convention for state-of-the-state address

(a)
During the first week of each regular session of the general assembly which begins in accordance with the Constitution of Tennessee, Article II, § 8 in each odd-numbered year and during the first week of any adjourned session in an even-numbered year, the general assembly shall by joint resolution call a joint convention of the senate and house of representatives to convene in the chamber of the house of representatives for the purpose of hearing a state-of-the-state address by the governor.
(b)
No public funds shall be expended for advertising or otherwise publicizing the broadcast or televised coverage of such an address.
(c)
In the governor's annual state-of-the-state address to the general assembly, the governor is invited to review the progress of the state on all fronts during the past year, the major problems currently facing the state, and those that can reasonably be anticipated in the coming year, and the governor's proposals and recommendations for handling such problems.
Acts 1973, ch. 55, § 1; 1979, ch. 27, § 1; T.C.A., § 3-116.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-123) › Section 3-1-109 - Office space, equipment, and supplies

The county legislative body of any county having a population of not less than eighty-three thousand three hundred (83,300) and not more than eighty-three thousand four hundred (83,400), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent census shall be authorized to provide any member of the general assembly representing such county, or any part thereof, with suitable office space, office furniture, equipment, and supplies. Such office shall be located in such county in a location determined by the county legislative body.
Acts 1983, ch. 301, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-123) › Section 3-1-110 - Business or occupation participation not part-time or temporary

Notwithstanding any law or rule to the contrary, a member of the general assembly shall not be considered as participating in a business or occupation on a part-time or temporary basis because of such member's attendance at sessions or committee meetings of the general assembly.
Acts 1988, ch. 1031, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 3 - LEGISLATURE (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-18-111) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-205) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 3-1-101 — 3-1-123) › Section 3-1-111 - Official flag of the general assembly

(a)
(1)
The official and permanent flag of the general assembly shall be the official legislative flag denoted and described in House Joint Resolution No. 531 of the Ninetieth General Assembly, which resolution was adopted by the Ninetieth General Assembly on March 29, 1978.
(2)
The official flag of the general assembly is on a field of white to symbolize purity. The color blue represents the love Tennesseans feel for their state and red signifies that in times of war and peace Tennesseans are true-blooded Americans. Each star depicts one (1) of the three (3) grand divisions of the state. Wheat portrays the agricultural heritage and richness of Tennessee and our respect for our bountiful natural resources. Finally, the gavel indicates the power of the people which is vested in the general assembly.
(b)
(1)
The official flag of the general assembly shall be appropriately displayed in the chambers of the house of representatives and senate.
(2)
(A)
The facilities manager for the legislative complex shall ensure that the official flag of the general assembly be flown over the State Capitol when either house of the general assembly is in session.
(B)
The facilities manager shall also ensure that the official flag of the general assembly is flown over the Legislative Plaza.
Acts 1993, ch. 497, §§ 2-5.