Three Amendments Reach Davidson County Ballots

Davidson County voters will face three new constitutional questions on November 3 alongside races for governor and federal offices. These additions to the Tennessee Constitution address bail standards, state property taxes, and the legal rights of crime victims. Each amendment requires a specific voting threshold to pass.

Amendment Two proposes a permanent ban on state property taxes. Tennessee has not collected a state property tax since the 1940s, but this measure would prevent future legislatures from imposing one. The change would not affect current city or county tax rates. Gov. Bill Lee and House Speaker Cameron Sexton lead the Yes on 2 coalition, which includes Tennessee Realtors and Farm Bureau Insurance. Rep. Bob Freeman serves as the local chairman for Davidson County.

Supporters argue the ban protects residents from double taxation. Reps. Charlane Oliver and John Ray Clemmons, both Democrats from Nashville, noted that the amendment will not lower existing tax bills. The measure passed the state legislature with mostly bipartisan support, though three representatives voted against it. Critics warn that future economic crises might require new tax tools that this amendment would block.

Amendment Three, known as Marsy’s Law, expands the rights of crime victims. A yes vote changes the right to be present at proceedings to include all public criminal events. It also grants victims the right to be heard upon request during release, plea, sentencing, disposition, and parole hearings. The law is named for Marsalee Nicholas, who was murdered in 1983. Her brother Henry Nicholas has advocated for similar laws for two decades.

The bill passed the House unanimously but faced five no votes in the Senate. Sen. Jeff Yarbro of Nashville was among those who opposed the measure. He cited concerns about the cost and time burden on an already overtaxed court system. Yarbro stated during the debate that officials do not yet know the full financial impact of the changes.

Amendment One, covered previously, would allow judges to deny bail for specific serious offenses. This includes terrorism, second-degree murder, aggravated rape, grave torture, and any crime requiring an 85 percent sentence. To pass, each amendment must receive more yes votes than no votes. Additionally, the yes votes must exceed half of all votes cast in the gubernatorial race.

Voters will find the detailed text for these amendments on their ballots. The complex legal language has led some residents to seek plain English explanations. Local leaders urge residents to review the specific wording before casting their votes on November 3.