Bill > HB0222

This bill modifies Tennessee laws related to civil actions involving content harmful to minors by expanding legal remedies and enforcement mechanisms. Specifically, the bill allows individuals to seek additional types of damages (including nominal, actual, and punitive damages) in civil lawsuits against persons or entities that distribute websites with substantial content deemed harmful to minors. The legislation enables such civil actions to potentially be certified as class action lawsuits and removes certain existing limitations on legal proceedings. The bill also adds a new provision that explicitly allows civil liability for violations of obscenity laws, not just criminal penalties, meaning entities could be sued for damages, court costs, and attorney fees. Additionally, the bill empowers the attorney general to issue guidance to help commercial entities understand and comply with age restriction requirements for websites. These changes are designed to provide clearer legal mechanisms for addressing the distribution of content considered inappropriate for minors and to create stronger deterrents against such distribution. The act will take effect immediately upon becoming law, reflecting the legislature's view of its urgency for public welfare.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0222&ga=114