From San Francisco Chronicle:

Felon voting rights remain a controversial reform among many but the truth remains that mass incarceration of Americans is historically tied to the nation’s history of slavery. Now good news is coming on this front from an unexpected corner.

A Tennessee push to make it easier for some felons to get their voting rights restored has cleared its first legislative hurdle. 

A House panel voted Wednesday to advance Republican Rep. Michael Curcio’s bill to lift Tennessee’s unique requirement for formerly incarcerated individuals to be up-to-date on child support before restoration of voting rights, in addition to other court fines and restitution. It also aims to simplify the process.

Speaking in favor of the bill was Tennessee resident Matthew Charles, one of the first prisoners released under criminal justice legislation signed by President Donald Trump.

Read the full article at the San Francisco Chronicle.