NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Legislation that would declare an income tax and payroll tax unconstitutional in Tennessee has passed the Senate.

The proposed constitutional amendment sponsored by Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown was approved 25-7 Monday evening. The earliest it could go before voters is 2014.

Even though the state constitution already says an income tax is not allowed in Tennessee, Kelsey has said the proposal is necessary because the difficult economic times may prompt lawmakers to try to pass an income tax.
However, opponents say the measure is not necessary and that the motive for it is strictly political.