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SB 2481

Obscenity and Pornography - As introduced, changes from within 10 days to within 10 business days of receiving the results of an investigation of an applicant's qualifications to be licensed to operate an adult-oriented establishment, the time frame within which the county adult-oriented establishment board must notify the applicant whether the application is granted, denied, or held for further investigation. - Amends TCA Title 7, Chapter 51 and Title 39.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Janice Bowling

Require posted signs at entrances or displays in adult-oriented establishments warning that engaging with such entertainment or materials may contribute to domestic violence, rape,

Companion House Bill substituted
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Bill Summary · SB 2481

Summary of Senate Bill 2481 (SB 2481) – Tennessee 114th General Assembly

Note: This summary reflects the amended version of the bill as introduced and considered in the Tennessee General Assembly. It focuses on purpose, key provisions, affected parties, and timelines.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The bill primarily adds mandatory signage requirements for license issuance to adult-oriented establishments and related establishments (e.g., massage registration boards) in Tennessee.
  • The core aim is to inform patrons and operators about potential links between engaging with adult-oriented entertainment and increases in domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

A. Licensing Signage Requirements (new subs. to TCA 7-51-1104)

The amendment adds new subsection (g) and (h) to Section 7-51-1104:

  • General Signage at Establishments (new subsection g):

    • Before a board issues a license to an adult-oriented establishment, the applicant must certify that a sign is posted at each entrance.
    • Sign text (subsection g(1)):
    • “Attention: By engaging in this type of entertainment, you may be contributing to an increase in domestic assault, rape or sexual assault, and human trafficking.”
    • Sign size and format (subsection g(2)):
    • Minimum size: 8.5 inches by 11 inches.
    • Text: at least 48-point, bold, black-on-white, centered.

  • Signage for Sexual Materials (new subsection h):

    • If the establishment offers sexually oriented materials for sale, loan, or use (print, video, other media), the board must require a sign at each display.
    • Sign text (subsection h(1)):
    • “Attention: By purchasing, borrowing, or using this pornographic material, you may be contributing to an increase in domestic assault, rape or sexual assault, and human trafficking.”
    • Sign size and format (subsection h(2)):
    • Minimum size: 8.5 inches by 11 inches.
    • Text: at least 48-point, bold, black-on-white, centered.

B. Effective Date

  • The act takes effect upon becoming law, as indicated by the standard “public welfare requires it” language.

3) Who/What is Affected

  • Primary Affected Entity: Adult-oriented establishments subject to licensing by local county boards (Adult-Oriented Establishment Boards) and, where applicable, massage registration boards (MRB).
  • Requirements Apply To:
    • Establishments offering adult-oriented entertainment.
    • Establishments that lawfully offer sexually oriented materials for sale, loan, or use (print, video, etc.).
  • Enforcement/Certification: Establishment license applicants must certify signage compliance as a condition of licensing.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Licensing Process: The bill modifies licensing prerequisites rather than altering the license review timeline itself. It adds a certification requirement tied to signage as part of the licensing condition.
  • Operational Timing: Signage must be posted at the entrances/display locations before a license is issued, as certified by the applicant.
  • Scope of Legislation: Applies to county adult-oriented establishment boards and MRBs as applicable; aligns with counties that have adopted relevant registration acts (per fiscal notes).

5) Fiscal Impact (Summary)

  • Fiscal analyses indicate a NOT SIGNIFICANT impact on state or local government.
  • Signage requirements are expected to be self-enforcing with minimal administrative burden, assuming compliance by establishments within counties that have adopted the relevant acts.

6) Additional Notes

  • The amendments were introduced with sponsor addition (Co-sponsor: Janice Bowling) and underwent procedural steps including committee referrals and House companion, reflecting standard Tennessee legislative process.
  • The amended text emphasizes public safety messaging rather than altering penalties or license denial standards beyond the new signage certification condition.

If you’d like, I can compare this with existing Tennessee law on adult-oriented establishments or provide a plain-language one-page brief for non-legal audiences.

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

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