Tennessee · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026) · Bill

HB 222: Civil Procedure - As introduced, specifies the damages that may be awarded against a person or commercial entity that publishes or distributes a website containing a substantial portion of content harmful to minors includes actual damages, nominal damages, and punitive damages; specifies that a person or entity that violates certain obscenity laws may be found civilly liable to an injured party for nominal damages, actual damages, court costs, reasonable attorney fees, and punitive damages; provides that the attorney general and reporter may issue guidance to assist commercial entities in complying with age requirements for websites containing a substantial portion of content that is harmful to minors. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 9; Title 47, Chapter 18 and Chapter 1021 of the Public Acts of 2024.

In committee Last action March 26, 2025: Returned to the Clerk's Desk.

Plain-language summary

HB 222 is a bill introduced in the Tennessee House on January 21, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: Civil Procedure - As introduced, specifies the damages that may be awarded against a person or commercial entity that publishes or distributes a website containing a substantial portion of content harmful to minors includes actual damages, nominal damages, and punitive damages; specifies that a person or entity that violates certain obscenity laws may be found civilly liable to an injured party for nominal damages, actual damages, court costs, reasonable attorney fees, and punitive damages; provides that the attorney general and reporter may issue guidance to assist commercial entities in complying with age requirements for websites containing a substantial portion of content that is harmful to minors. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 9; Title 47, Chapter 18 and Chapter 1021 of the Public Acts of 2024. Primary sponsor: Jody Barrett (Republican). Most recent recorded action (March 26, 2025): Returned to the Clerk's Desk.

Sponsors

Primary sponsor: Jody Barrett (Republican).