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Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Lawmakers file bills to amend Tennessee Constitution

Some lawmakers in Tennessee would like to change the state constitution, and they’ve filed bills to make it happen. 

The process to amend the Tennessee Constitution is lengthy. As outlined in Article XI, Section 3, any constitutional amendments must be passed by two consecutive general assemblies—the first by a simple majority and the second by a two-thirds majority. If an amendment passes the legislature, it then moves onto a ballot for referendum. This referendum may only happen during a gubernatorial election year—when Tennesseans choose their next governor.