Consumer Protection - As introduced, increases, from 60 to 65 days, the time that a controller has after receipt of an appeal from a consumer regarding the controller's refusal to take action on a consumer request under the Tennessee Information Protection Act to inform the consumer in writing of action taken or not taken in response to the appeal, including a written explanation of the reasons for the decision. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 39 and Title 47.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jeff Yarbro

Extends the deadline for controllers to notify consumers about appeal decisions under TIP A from 60 to 65 days, including a written explanation of the decision.

Failed (no second) in Senate Commerce and Labor Committee

#consumerprotection

Purpose and Intent

The bill amends Tennessee law to adjust the timeline by which a “controller” must inform a consumer of the action taken (or not taken) in response to an appeal regarding a consumer request under the Tennessee Information Protection Act (TIPA).

Specifically, it increases the deadline from 60 days to 65 days after receipt of an appeal for the controller to provide written notification and a written explanation of the decision.

Key Provisions

Amendment Location: Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) Title 4; Title 39; Title 47.

Section Amended: TCA 47-18-3304(c).

Change in Timing:

Prior: 60 days to respond to an appeal by a consumer.
Now: 65 days to respond.

Content of Notification: The written communication must state the action taken or not taken in response to the appeal and include a written explanation of the reasons for the decision.

Who/What Would Be Affected

Affected Entity: “Controller” under TIPA (entities that process or manage consumer data and respond to consumer appeals under the act).

Affected Parties: Consumers who file appeals under TIP A and seek a determination or action on their data rights.

Practical effect: A slight extension for controllers to complete and communicate their decision in writing after receiving an appeal.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Effective Date: The act takes effect upon becoming law, as required by public welfare.

Legislative History:

Introduced and assigned to committees;
Passed First Consideration and Second Consideration in February 2026;
Debated in Senate Commerce and Labor Committee with a series of calendar motions;
As of the latest action, the bill failed on March 10, 2026 (no second), in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee.

Fiscal Note:

Fiscal impact is described as Not Significant; no substantial changes anticipated to state or local government operations.

Practical Implications

The change provides a modest extension (5 days) for responders to complete the decision notice and rationale following a consumer appeal under TIP A.

It could affect compliance timing for controllers who are close to the original 60-day deadline, potentially reducing risk of missed deadlines due to administrative delays.

There is no identified impact on penalties or remedies beyond the timing extension, and no material fiscal impact expected.

Summary

SB 2616 proposes a small adjustment to the response deadline under TIPA, extending the period from 60 to 65 days for controllers to inform consumers in writing about actions taken in response to appeals and to explain the decision. The bill has faced mixed progress in committee and, at the latest reported action, did not advance. The fiscal impact is anticipated to be not significant.

Bill