NASHVILLE - A proposal to require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in Tennessee has been changed to instead require prospective voters to check a box to affirm they are citizens.
The bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Eric Watson of Cleveland originally would have required people to present evidence of their U.S. citizenship along with a photo ID, their occupation and their parents' names.
But under changes adopted in the House Elections Subcommittee on Tuesday, applicants would only be required to check a box to say they are legally in the United States.
The bill would also set penalties of up to two years in prison and $5,000 for providing false information on the application.
The measure was advanced to the House State and Local Government Committee on a voice vote.