NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT)— Tennessee voters approved all three constitutional amendments on the November 2026 ballot, making significant changes to the state constitution involving criminal justice, taxation and crime victims’ rights.
The amendments were referred to voters by the Tennessee General Assembly and required voter approval to become part of the state constitution. Tennessee law requires constitutional amendments to receive a majority of “yes” votes and meet an additional threshold tied to voter participation in the governor’s race.
Amendment 1: Expanded Authority to Deny Bail
Amendment 1 changes Tennessee’s constitutional provisions on bail by allowing judges to deny bail to defendants accused of certain serious offenses when evidence is strong and legal standards are met. Those offenses include terrorism, second-degree murder, aggravated rape, aggravated rape of a child, grave torture, and certain crimes requiring offenders to serve at least 85% of their sentence.
Previously, Tennessee’s constitution generally allowed denial of bail only in capital cases. Supporters argued the amendment enhances public safety by keeping dangerous defendants in custody before trial.
In Knox County, Amendment 1 passed with 61.81% voting yes and 38.19% voting no, a margin of 23.62 percentage points. Vote totals were 95,276 yes to 58,856 no.
What It Means
Judges now have broader constitutional authority to deny bail in a wider range of serious violent crime cases, potentially resulting in more defendants remaining in jail while awaiting trial.
Amendment 2: Ban on State Property Taxes
Amendment 2 amends the Tennessee Constitution to prohibit the state government from imposing a tax on real property. Tennessee currently does not levy a statewide property tax, but supporters sought to permanently prohibit future legislatures from creating one.
Backers said the amendment protects homeowners and businesses from future state-level property taxes, while local governments retain authority to levy local property taxes.
In Knox County, Amendment 2 passed with 63.59% support and 36.41% opposition, a margin of 27.18 percentage points. Vote totals were 97,426 yes and 55,787 no.
What It Means
Future Tennessee legislatures would be constitutionally barred from creating a statewide tax on real property without first changing the constitution again.
Amendment 3: Marsy’s Law Crime Victims’ Rights Expansion
Amendment 3 expands constitutional protections for crime victims through what is commonly known as Marsy’s Law. The amendment adds and strengthens rights for victims within Tennessee’s criminal justice system.
Supporters said the proposal provides victims with a stronger voice throughout court proceedings and ensures they receive greater constitutional protections. According to Ballotpedia, it is the first new Marsy’s Law constitutional amendment approved anywhere in the country since 2020.
In Knox County, Amendment 3 received the strongest support of the three measures, passing with 73.47% approval and 26.53% opposition. Vote totals were 112,615 yes and 40,663 no, a margin of 46.94 percentage points.
What It Means
Crime victims will receive expanded constitutional protections and greater participation rights throughout criminal proceedings, including notification, input and recognition within the judicial process.
