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SB 529

Consumer Protection - As enacted, revises one of the definitions of a "nonprofit organization" for purposes of the Tennessee Information Protection Act to mean a public utility organized or regulated, instead of only organized, under the laws of this state. - Amends TCA Title 47.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

SB 529 expands Tennessee data protection rules to include public utilities that are both organized and regulated under state law, clarifying nonprofit organization definitions for information security compliance.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 201
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Bill Summary · SB 529

Legislative bill overview

SB 529 modifies Tennessee's Information Protection Act by expanding the definition of "nonprofit organization" to include public utilities that are both organized AND regulated under Tennessee law, rather than only those merely organized under state law. This technical amendment to Title 47 (Public Utilities) became law in April 2025.

Why is this important

Public utilities operate under specific regulatory frameworks and handle sensitive consumer data. This change clarifies which utility entities must comply with Tennessee's data protection and information security requirements, potentially expanding regulatory oversight to utilities that may have previously fallen into regulatory gaps. The distinction between "organized" versus "organized and regulated" could affect how data breach notifications, cybersecurity standards, and consumer protections apply to utility companies operating in Tennessee.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory scope expansion: The amendment could impose additional compliance burdens on utilities by clarifying they're subject to stricter information protection standards, potentially increasing operational costs
  • Definition ambiguity: "Regulated" remains somewhat undefined—unclear whether it means state-regulated, federally-regulated, or both, creating potential compliance uncertainty
  • Competitive impact: Out-of-state utilities might face different treatment than in-state competitors depending on how "organized and regulated" is interpreted and enforced

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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