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SB1207 • 2026

Lobbying, Lobbyists

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

Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Yarbro, Freeman
Last action
2025-02-12
Official status
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate State and Local Government Committee
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on enforcement mechanisms or penalties, leaving these areas open to interpretation.

Lobbyist Reporting Requirements

This act requires lobbyists in Tennessee to include and maintain information about specific bills they are supporting or opposing as part of their registration with the ethics commission.

What This Bill Does

  • Adds a new requirement for lobbyists to list each bill or legislative measure 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 on behalf of a client or organization.
Tennessee ethics commission
The agency responsible for enforcing ethical standards and rules related to lobbying in Tennessee.

Limits and Unknowns

  • Does not specify penalties for failing to comply with the new reporting requirements.
  • It is unclear how this act will be enforced or monitored by the ethics commission.

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 
HOUSE BILL 597
By Freeman

SENATE BILL 1207
By Yarbro

SB1207
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.