Committee rejects bill to redefine 'natural born citizen' for ballot access

Senate Bill 24-84, the Tennessee Ballot Access Act, failed in committee on Jan. 24 after testimony and questions from senators about whether the measure changes current practice.

Sponsor Sen. Bowling told the committee the bill would require parties to vet candidates’ constitutional eligibility and to ensure those placed on ballots meet existing requirements. He said the bill clarifies the difference between a citizen and a natural-born citizen for purposes of qualifications for offices including the presidency.

Witness JB Williams of the North American Law Center supported the bill, arguing officials have not consistently enforced the natural-born-citizen qualification and recommended clearer vetting standards. Williams said the bill would not create new requirements for officeholders but would cause election officials to enforce existing constitutional qualifications.

Several senators pressed the sponsor and witness about real-world effects and whether the proposed law would change Tennessee practice. After debate and the committee roll call, the measure failed with one aye and seven no votes.

Where it stands: SB 24-84 failed in committee and will not be reported from the State and Local Government Committee.

What’s next: The bill may be refiled or revised in future sessions, but it does not move to the Senate calendar from this committee at this time.

Reporting from the State and Local Government Committee hearing. Quotes and attributions are from committee proceedings.