HB 221 – SB 467
FISCAL NOTE
Fiscal Review Committee
Tennessee General Assembly
February 5, 2025
Fiscal Analyst: Arielle Woodmore | Email: arielle.woodmore@capitol.tn.gov | Phone: 615-741-2564
HB 221 – SB 467
SUMMARY OF BILL: Establishes that a commercial entity that knowingly violates the
state’s laws against obscenity and the sexual exploitation of children may be found civilly liable to an
individual for nominal damages, actual damages, punitive damages, court costs, and reasonable
attorney fees, even if the violation has not resulted in a criminal conviction. Authorizes an action to
be certified as a class action, if appropriate. Exempts an internet or wireless service provider,
affiliate, or subsidiary of an internet or wireless provider, search engine, or cloud service provider
from violations for providing access or connection to or from a website not under that provider’s
control.
Authorizes the Attorney General and Reporter (AG) to seek injunctive and other equitable relief
against a commercial entity for such violations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
NOT SIGNIFICANT
Assumptions:
• The AG can bring appropriate actions as the AG deems necessary within existing resources.
• Any impacts resulting from civil actions brought by individuals or the AG will be borne by
private parties.
• The courts can accommodate any increase in caseloads within existing resources.
• Any fiscal impact to state or local government is estimated to be not significant.
CERTIFICATION:
The information contained herein is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Bojan Savic, Executive Director