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HB 564

Ethics - As introduced, specifies that an impermissible indirect gift to candidates for public office and certain officials and their family members includes, but is not limited to, a gift provided by an entity that is related to, and its business or political activities are intertwined with, an employer of a lobbyist; requires the governor and officers of the governor's cabinet to disclose certain travel expenses. - Amends TCA Title 3, Chapter 6 and Title 8, Chapter 50, Part 5.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Caleb Hemmer

Tennessee bill expands banned indirect gifts to officials from lobbyist-linked entities and mandates governor/cabinet travel expense disclosure for ethics transparency.

Failed in s/c Public Service Subcommittee of State & Local Government Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 564

Legislative bill overview

HB 564 expands Tennessee's definition of impermissible indirect gifts to public officials and candidates by including gifts from entities whose business activities are intertwined with a lobbyist's employer. The bill also requires the governor and cabinet officers to publicly disclose their travel expenses.

Why is this important

Gift restrictions aim to prevent corruption and conflicts of interest in public service. Expanding the definition of "indirect gifts" closes potential loopholes where lobbyists could circumvent ethics rules through related business entities. Travel expense disclosure increases transparency in how taxpayer funds support executive branch operations.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional ambiguity: The phrase "related to, and its business or political activities are intertwined with" is subjective and could be difficult to enforce consistently or could inadvertently catch legitimate business relationships
  • Burden on compliance: Expanded restrictions and disclosure requirements increase administrative complexity for state officials and agencies, potentially requiring new tracking systems
  • Scope limitations: The bill applies only to gubernatorial and cabinet-level travel disclosure; comparable requirements don't extend to legislators, which some view as incomplete ethics reform

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

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