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HB 2041

Landlord and Tenant - As enacted, prohibits certain persons from publishing, transmitting, or broadcasting any video of the service of civil process related to an eviction proceeding without the express written permission of the individual being served with civil process; specifies that an individual who is a victim of the publication, transmission, or broadcast of such a video without the individual's permission has a private right of action against the person violating the prohibition. - Amends TCA Title 13; Title 29 and Title 66.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Antonio Parkinson

Tennessee bill prohibits recording and sharing eviction service videos without consent, creating private lawsuits for violations.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 657
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Bill Summary · HB 2041

Legislative bill overview

HB 2041 prohibits the unauthorized publication, transmission, or broadcasting of videos depicting the service of eviction notices without written consent from the person being served. The bill creates a private right of action, allowing affected individuals to sue those who violate this prohibition and potentially recover damages.

Why is this important

Eviction proceedings are public record matters, but this bill addresses a modern phenomenon where videos of evictions—often dramatic or humiliating moments—are shared on social media or news platforms without consent. The law attempts to balance transparency with personal privacy during vulnerable financial moments, though it raises questions about the scope of privacy protections in public proceedings.

Potential points of contention

  • First Amendment concerns: Restricting video recording and publication of public proceedings may conflict with free speech and press freedoms, particularly regarding newsworthy events
  • Defining "service of civil process": The bill's scope—whether it covers only the moment of service or broader eviction activities—could be ambiguous and lead to litigation over permitted documentation
  • Public interest versus privacy: Eviction videos sometimes document alleged illegal landlord conduct or housing discrimination; restricting them could eliminate evidence of wrongdoing while protecting privacy
  • Enforcement challenges: Determining who bears liability (the person recording, the platform, the publisher) and collecting damages from anonymous social media users presents practical difficulties

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

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