Stop Unconstitutional Executions of People with Intellectual Disabilities

Tell the Senate Judiciary Committee and House Criminal Justice Subcommittee to protect Tennessee from unconstitutionally executing a person with an intellectual disability.

UPDATE: On May 11, 2021, Governor Lee signed this bill into law.
(Last updated February 24, 2022. Check current bill status here.)

SB 1349/HB 1062 would redefine the term “intellectual disability” for purposes of determining eligibility for the death penalty. Individuals with intellectual disability are less able to understand their actions and circumstances, making them both less culpable and especially vulnerable to wrongful execution. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Atkins v. Virginia that people with intellectual disability, because of their diminished personal culpability, should not be executed. The court held that defendants with intellectual disability “may be less able to give meaningful assistance to their counsel and are typically poor witnesses, and their demeanor may create an unwarranted impression of lack of remorse for their crimes.” Urge lawmakers to protect Tennessee from unconstitutionally executing a person with an intellectual disability.

Please call or email the following Senate Judiciary Committee members and urge them to vote YES on SB 1349/HB 1062.

Individual Contact Info for Senate Judiciary Committee members:

Please call or email the following House Criminal Justice Subcommittee members and urge them to vote YES on SB 1349/HB 1062.