TN
Tennessee Senate Bill SB0218

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SB0218

Introduced
1/19/23  
Engrossed
3/6/23  
Enrolled
3/24/23  
Passed
4/13/23  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 29; Title 39; Title 47, Chapter 18 and Title 67, relative to fantasy sports.

Impact

If enacted, SB0218 will lead to a reorganization of how fantasy sports are regulated in Tennessee. By establishing the Sports Wagering Advisory Council as the primary regulatory authority, the bill aims to enhance oversight and provide a clearer framework for fantasy sports operators. The adjustments made to the definitions related to entry fees and player participation may have implications for how contests are marketed and conducted, particularly with respect to responsibilities for revenue sharing. This legislative change is expected to bring consistency to the regulatory environment surrounding fantasy sports in the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 218 (SB0218) seeks to amend several titles within the Tennessee Code Annotated, particularly focusing on the regulation of fantasy sports. One significant change involves transferring regulatory duties from the Secretary of State to the newly established Sports Wagering Advisory Council. This transition is anticipated to streamline the oversight of fantasy sports, ensuring that guidelines are more coherently managed under a dedicated body. The bill includes modifications to the definitions of key terms associated with fantasy sports contests and specifies how revenues from these activities are calculated and reported.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB0218 appears to be measured, with strong support for the changes proposed by the bill. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to modernize and clarify the existing law surrounding fantasy sports, and they believe it will foster a more effective regulatory environment. On the other hand, there may be concerns from certain stakeholders about how the changes could impact small operators or the potential for more stringent regulations under the advisory council’s oversight. Ultimately, responses to this bill vary depending on stakeholders' perspectives and their vested interests in the fantasy sports industry.

Contention

Notable points of contention relating to SB0218 could arise surrounding the potential control and authority that the Sports Wagering Advisory Council will have. While the bill aims to simplify the regulatory framework, it could also provoke discussions about the extent of government oversight in an industry that some see as entertainment rather than gambling. Stakeholders may voice varying opinions on whether empowering a centralized authority with significant regulatory power will benefit the market or stifle innovation and competition among fantasy sports operators.

Latest SB0218 Activity

Companion Bills

TN HB0374

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 29; Title 39; Title 47, Chapter 18 and Title 67, relative to fantasy sports.

Similar Bills

TN SB1014

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1, Chapter 3; Section 2-3-107; Title 4, Chapter 29, Part 2; Section 8-35-242; Section 8-38-126; Section 9-8-203; Section 10-7-504; Section 37-1-408 and Title 49, relative to charter schools.

TN HB0992

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1, Chapter 3; Section 2-3-107; Title 4, Chapter 29, Part 2; Section 8-35-242; Section 8-38-126; Section 9-8-203; Section 10-7-504; Section 37-1-408 and Title 49, relative to charter schools.

TN HB0074

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 8; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 40; Title 41; Title 49; Title 50; Title 54; Title 55; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to high school equivalency credentials.

TN SB0255

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 8; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 40; Title 41; Title 49; Title 50; Title 54; Title 55; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to high school equivalency credentials.

TN HB0321

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN SB0329

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN SB1227

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN HB1189

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.