Statewide ballot measure · Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Constitutional Amendment #3: Rights of crime victims

Attorney General's summary: This amendment changes Article I, section 35 of the Tennessee Constitution by clarifying existing rights for crime victims and adding new rights. The amendment gives victims new rights: to fair treatment; to be informed about and participate in the parole process; to be protected from harassment, intimidation, and abuse; to be informed of the minimum sentence the convicted criminal will serve, as well as their scheduled release date; and to have their safety, their family’s safety, and the public’s safety taken into account before any decision is made to release the convicted criminal. The amendment also maintains or clarifies victims’ existing rights. The amendment does not restrict the powers of prosecutors or courts and does not create a cause of action or claim for damages against the State of Tennessee.