Image Credit: Tennessee Rep Jody Barrett / Facebook & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –
A bill allowing individuals to hold commercial entities civilly liable for knowingly possessing, purchasing, promoting, producing, selling, sending, transporting, or distributing obscene matter in Tennessee has been scheduled for consideration by the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee on Wednesday, Feb. 12th, 2025.
The legislation is being sponsored by Rep. Jody Barrett (R-Dickson-District 69) in the House.
Sen. Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma-District 16) is sponsoring the corresponding Senate Bill 647 (SB0647).
House Bill 221 (HB0221), as introduced, states that a commercial entity which “knowingly engages” in action that violates this legislation or TCA § 39-17-10, on sexual exploitation of children, may be found civilly liable to an individual for nominal, actual, and/or punitive damages, court costs, and “reasonable attorney fees as ordered by the court.”
This type of action by a commercial entity can be certified as a class action case “if appropriate” under this legislation.
An individual would also be allowed to bring civil action against a commercial entity “without regard to whether the commercial entity’s act resulted in a conviction for a criminal offense.”
If you would like to contact your lawmakers regarding HB0221, information for members of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee can be found below.
clay.doggett@capitol.tn.gov, fred.atchley@captiol.tn.gov, andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov, william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov, mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov, jason.powell@capitol,tn.gov, lowell.russell@capitol.tn.gov, gabby.salinas@capitol.tn.gov, rick.scarbrough@capitol.tn.gov
About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee. Adelia is The Tennessee Conservative’s on-site reporter for the Tennessee General Assembly. You can reach Adelia at adelia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
