Tennessee Bill Seeks Recall For Local Officials

Memphis Democrat Rep. Torrey C. Harris filed House Bill 1448 to create a statewide process allowing voters to recall local elected officials, including mayors, county commissioners, sheriffs, clerks and school board members. Under the proposal a petitioner who voted in the last local election would request a petition from the county election commission and must collect signatures equal to roughly two-thirds (about 66%) of the votes cast in the last regular election for that office, with county officials verifying signatures and a majority vote on the ballot required to remove the official. Harris says the measure is intended to "restore the power of accountability" to residents, plans community outreach, and will formally introduce the bill when the General Assembly reconvenes. The push was spurred in part by recent controversies in Shelby County, including the Memphis-Shelby superintendent's firing, a no-confidence vote against school board members and multiple ouster efforts against County Clerk Wanda Halbert. The bill follows earlier election-related legislation Harris helped pass to align some school board elections with other local contests. Reports vary on Senate sponsorship, but Harris and supporters expect bipartisan backing as the proposal advances.