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House adopts 'Colby's Law' to give college students an election-day accommodation
Summary
The House passed HB 21-67, dubbed 'Colby's Law,' allowing public higher-education institutions to offer an election-day accommodation to students (modeled on a University of Tennessee policy). Sponsor said the policy increased student turnout; bill passed overwhelmingly.
The Tennessee House passed HB 21-67 on final consideration, a measure that permits public colleges and universities to give students an election-day accommodation to avoid academic penalties for voting. Representative Barrett said the idea came from a University of Tennessee student and credited the campus policy with raising student voting turnout.
"We are calling this Colby's Law," Barrett said, describing a local pilot that allowed students to take tests on alternate days so they could vote. The bill was presented as a student-driven civic-engagement measure; members on both sides said the measure supports turnout and participation. The clerk recorded a roll-call in favor with 89 Ayes and no recorded Nays; four members were present but not voting.
The measure now proceeds according to House procedure for enrolled bills. Supporters said the change is targeted at increasing youth participation in elections; no sponsor amendments were recorded during the floor consideration.
