Bill > SB0229

This bill makes several changes to Tennessee's campaign finance and ethics regulations. It introduces an annual registration fee of $150 for political campaign committees, increases certain fine amounts, and modifies rules about campaign contributions and expenditures. Local candidates running in multi-county elections must now file political treasurer certifications in each relevant county. The bill allows candidates to continue accepting contributions after an election to offset outstanding campaign debts, with some restrictions on in-kind contributions. Campaign funds can now be used for expenses related to civil litigation, defending criminal matters, and public relations consulting. The bill also requires annual ethics training for executive branch department commissioners and cabinet-level staff, to be coordinated with the governor's ethics counsel. Additionally, it changes the confidentiality rules for ethics commission proceedings, making most records public except for personal financial records and certain pre-election complaint information. The bill adjusts contribution limits for political committees based on the type of office being sought, with different limits for statewide versus local offices. Most provisions take effect immediately, with some sections like the annual registration fee becoming effective on January 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0229&ga=114