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HB0597 • 2026

Lobbying, Lobbyists

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3, Chapter 6, relative to lobbyists.

Did Not Pass

The latest official action shows that this bill did not move forward in that session.

Sponsor
Freeman, Yarbro
Last action
2025-03-05
Official status
Failed in s/c Public Service Subcommittee of State & Local Government Committee
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not specify that the requirement must be included in the registration statement, only that it should be maintained and identified by lobbyists.

Lobbyist Reporting Requirements

This act requires lobbyists in Tennessee to include and maintain information about bills they are supporting or opposing for pay when registering with the ethics commission.

What This Bill Does

  • Adds a new requirement for lobbyists to list all bills and measures they are paid to support or oppose.
  • Updates Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3, Chapter 6, which deals with lobbying rules.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Lobbyists who work in Tennessee and receive payment for influencing legislation.

Terms To Know

lobbyist
A person who tries to influence decisions made by government officials, often related to laws or policies.
ethics commission
An organization that oversees rules about fairness and honesty in politics and government work.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill did not pass during the session it was introduced.
  • It does not specify penalties for failing to comply with the new reporting requirements.
  • The exact impact on how lobbyists operate is unclear without further details or implementation.

Bill History

  1. 2025-03-05 Tennessee General Assembly

    Failed in s/c Public Service Subcommittee of State & Local Government Committee

  2. 2025-02-26 Tennessee General Assembly

    Placed on s/c cal Public Service Subcommittee for 3/5/2025

  3. 2025-02-12 Tennessee General Assembly

    Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate State and Local Government Committee

  4. 2025-02-10 Tennessee General Assembly

    Introduced, Passed on First Consideration

  5. 2025-02-06 Tennessee General Assembly

    Filed for introduction

  6. 2025-02-05 Tennessee General Assembly

    Assigned to s/c Public Service Subcommittee

  7. 2025-02-05 Tennessee General Assembly

    P2C, ref. to State & Local Government Committee

  8. 2025-02-03 Tennessee General Assembly

    Intro., P1C.

  9. 2025-01-30 Tennessee General Assembly

    Filed for introduction

Official Summary Text

Abstract summarizes the bill.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
SENATE BILL 1207
By Yarbro

HOUSE BILL 597
By Freeman

HB0597
000776
- 1 -

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3,
Chapter 6, relative to lobbyists.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 3-6-302(b)(2), is amended by adding
the following new subdivision:
( ) Identification of each bill and legislative measure for which the lobbyist is
receiving compensation to oppose or support.
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.