Tennesseans will be asked in November to amend our state constitution three times. Before voting, it is worth reading the fine print, because the details will be filled in later by the legislature.
The bail amendment lets judges deny bail for serious felonies when the proof is evident. That evidence standard is a real safeguard. But the text never defines “act of terrorism,” so its meaning would be set by ordinary law and could be broadened by a simple majority. It also sets no hearing procedures or dangerousness finding, and its catch-all reaches about 73 felonies voters will not see listed on the ballot.
The property tax amendment bans a state property tax Tennessee doesn’t have. Its wording is broad enough to invite lawsuits over what counts as a state tax.
The victims’ rights amendment promises notice, voice and restitution. Yet it bars damages and conviction relief and leaves enforcement to future laws, so the rights are only as strong as future legislation.
Whatever one thinks of the goals, voters deserve to know much is left unsettled. I hope our legislators will commit to defining terms clearly and building real enforcement into laws that implement these changes.