Tennessee Voters Ban Statewide Property Tax in General Election

Tennessee voters approved Constitutional Amendment 2 during the general election on November 4, 2026, permanently prohibiting the state legislature from imposing a statewide property tax. Although the state has not levied such a tax since 1949, the amendment modifies the state constitution to remove the authority of the General Assembly to institute one in the future. Local governments maintain their existing authority to levy property taxes.

Tennessee voters passed the measure as a signal of commitment to minimal taxation, which supporters argue maintains the state's appeal to domestic migrants from New York and California. Critics of the amendment expressed concern that the ban eliminates a potential revenue source for the state government.

In the same election cycle, voters approved two other constitutional changes. Amendment 1 denies bail for individuals accused of the most violent crimes, and Amendment 3, known as Marsy’s Law, expands the rights of victims during judicial processes.