Bill > HB2028

This bill, amending Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 47, Chapter 18, Part 1, introduces new consumer protection measures for small businesses by defining "blacklist" as actions taken by an online search engine to reduce a small business's website visibility, remove it from search results, or delete a significant portion of its reviews. An "online search engine" is defined as a website or application primarily for internet searches, excluding social media or review platforms, and a "small business" is an entity with fifty or fewer full-time employees. If a small business believes it has been blacklisted, it can request a written explanation or appeal process from the online search engine within five business days. Failure by the search engine to comply allows the small business to file a civil lawsuit, potentially seeking actual and punitive damages, court costs, attorneys' fees, and an injunction to stop the violation, with these provisions taking effect on July 1, 2026.