reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 1 - FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-133) › Section 2-10-113 - Digital currency as campaign contribution

(a)
A candidate or political campaign committee is allowed to accept digital currency as a contribution. Digital currency shall be considered a monetary contribution with the value of the digital currency being the market value of the digital currency at the time the contribution is received.
(b)
Any increase in the value of digital currency being held by a candidate or political campaign committee shall be reported as interest on any statement filed pursuant to §
2-10-105
.
(c)
A candidate or political campaign committee must sell any digital currency and deposit the proceeds from those sales into a campaign account before spending the funds.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 379,s 2, eff. 4/30/2015.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 1 - FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-133) › Section 2-10-116 - Honorarium defined - Acceptance of honorarium by public official

(a)
The acceptance of an honorarium by a public official in such person's capacity as a public official is prohibited. "Honorarium" means a payment of money or any thing of value for an appearance, speech or article, but does not include actual and necessary travel expenses, meals and lodging associated with such appearance, speech or article.
(b)
Acceptance of an honorarium for an appearance, speech or article by a public official in such person's capacity as a private business person, professional or tradesperson is not prohibited.
(c)
As used in this section, "public official" means:
(1)
Each person holding any state public office filled by the voters;
(2)
Each person holding any local public office filled by the voters;
(3)
Each member of the governor's cabinet; and
(4)
Each cabinet level staff person employed within the governor's office.
Acts 1992, ch. 978, § 4; 2006, ch. 545, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 1 - FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-133) › Section 2-10-117 - [Repealed] Reserved

Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 6, eff. 5/27/2022.
Acts 1995, ch. 531, § 10; 2009 , ch. 319, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 1 - FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-133) › Section 2-10-118 - Filing by responsible party with prior assessment record

(a)
It is unlawful for a responsible party of a multicandidate political campaign committee who has a prior assessment record to intentionally fail to file a required report under this chapter, for which the party is responsible for filing, within thirty-five (35) days after service of process or receipt of notice from the registry by registered or certified mail. For the purposes of this section, "responsible party" is the treasurer of the committee appointed pursuant to §
2-10-105(e)
, or if no treasurer has been appointed, any person who organizes or directs the fundraising activities of a multicandidate political campaign committee. A responsible party shall be considered to have a prior assessment record for purposes of this section if during the person's service as a responsible party to one (1) or more multicandidate political campaign committees, the committee or committees violate on two (2) or more occasions §
2-10-110
or §
2-10-308
and such violations result in the committee or committees being assessed a penalty by the registry.
(b)
A violation of this section is a Class E felony.
Acts 1997, ch. 399, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 1 - FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-133) › Section 2-10-119 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 108,s 8, eff. 4/4/2023.
Acts 2000, ch. 612, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 1 - FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-133) › Section 2-10-120 - Authority of county election commission

The county election commission has the authority to forward information regarding violation of disclosure laws by candidates for local public office to the district attorney general for investigation without the necessity of a sworn complaint from a registered voter as provided by §
2-10-108
.
Acts 2000, ch. 756, § 19.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 1 - FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-133) › Section 2-10-121 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 108,s 12, eff. 4/4/2023.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 77, s 1, eff. 4/1/2019.
Acts 2003 , ch. 414, § 2; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 9; 2009 , ch. 556, § 6.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 1 - FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-133) › Section 2-10-122 - Definitions for Sections 2-10-122 - 2-10-128

As used in this section and §§
2-10-123
- 2-10-128, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Consulting services" with respect to an official in the legislative branch or an official in the executive branch means services to advise or assist a person or entity in influencing legislative or administrative action, as that term is defined in §
3-6-301
, relative to Tennessee state government. "Consulting services" with respect to an official in the legislative branch or an official in the executive branch also means services to advise or assist a person or entity in maintaining, applying for, soliciting or entering into a contract with the state of Tennessee. "Consulting services" does not mean the practice or business of law in connection with representation of clients by a licensed attorney in a contested case action, administrative proceeding or rule making procedure;
(2)
"Consulting services" with respect to an elected municipal or county official, including a member-elect of a municipal or county legislative body, means services to advise or assist a person or entity in influencing legislative or administrative action, as that term is defined in §
3-6-301
, relative to the municipality or county represented by that official. "Consulting services" with respect to an elected municipal or county official, including a member-elect of a municipal or county legislative body, also means services to advise or assist a person or entity in maintaining, applying for, soliciting or entering into a contract with the municipality or county represented by that official. "Consulting services" does not mean the practice or business of law in connection with representation of clients by a licensed attorney in a contested case action, administrative proceeding or rule making procedure;
(3)
"Fee, commission, or any other form of compensation" and "compensation" do not include anything of value that may be accepted under §
2-10-116
or that is identified in §
3-6-305(b)
;
(4)
"Official in the executive branch" means the governor, any member of the governor's staff or any person in the executive service as such term is defined in §
8-30-202
; provided, however, that "official in the executive branch" shall not include members of boards and commissions who receive only expenses or a nominal per diem not to exceed six hundred dollars ($600) per month, unless they provide consulting services for compensation with respect to the activities of the board or commission of which they are a member; and
(5)
"Official in the legislative branch" has the same meaning as the term is defined in §
3-6-301
.
Acts 2005, ch. 102, § 1; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 29.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 1 - FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-133) › Section 2-10-123 - Violations at state level - Penalties

(a)
It is an offense for any member of the general assembly, member-elect of the general assembly, governor, member of the governor's cabinet, member of the governor's staff, secretary of state, treasurer, or comptroller of the treasury to knowingly receive a fee, commission or any other form of compensation for consulting services from any person or entity, other than compensation paid by the state, a county or municipality.
(b)
It is an offense for any person or other entity, other than the state, a county or a municipality, to pay a fee, commission or any other form of compensation for consulting services to a person such person or entity knows to be a member of the general assembly, member-elect of the general assembly, governor, member of the governor's cabinet, member of the governor's staff, secretary of state, treasurer, or comptroller of the treasury.
(c)
(1)
(A)
If conduct giving rise to a violation of this section would also constitute the offense of bribery prohibited by §
39-16-102
, then such violation is a Class C felony. Any person convicted of such offense shall forever afterwards be disqualified from holding any office under the laws or constitution of this state.
(B)
Nothing contained within this section shall be construed to prohibit prosecution and conviction for the Class C felony offense of bribery of a public servant, set forth in §
39-16-102
; nor shall it be construed to prohibit prosecution and conviction for any other applicable criminal offense.
(2)
Any other violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. Any person convicted of such offense shall forever afterwards be disqualified from holding any office under the laws or constitution of this state.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 22, eff. 7/1/2022.
Acts 2005, ch. 102, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 1 - FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-133) › Section 2-10-124 - Violations at local level - Penalties

(a)
It is an offense for any member of a municipal or county legislative body, member-elect of a municipal or county legislative body, or other elected county or municipal official to knowingly receive a fee, commission or any other form of compensation for consulting services, other than compensation paid by the state, a county, or municipality.
(b)
It is an offense for any person or other entity, other than the state, a county, or a municipality, to pay a fee, commission or any other form of compensation for consulting services relating to a municipality or county if such person or entity knows the person to whom the compensation is paid is a member of the municipal or county legislative body, a member-elect of the municipal or county legislative body, or other elected municipal or county official in the county or municipality in which the consulting services are to be performed.
(c)
(1)
(A)
If conduct giving rise to a violation of this section would also constitute the offense of bribery prohibited by §
39-16-102
, then such violation is a Class C felony. Any person convicted of such offense shall forever afterwards be disqualified from holding any office under the laws or constitution of this state.
(B)
Nothing contained within this section shall be construed to prohibit prosecution and conviction for the Class C felony offense of bribery of a public servant, set forth in §
39-16-102
; nor shall it be construed to prohibit prosecution and conviction for any other applicable criminal offense.
(2)
Any other violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. Any person convicted of such offense shall forever afterwards be disqualified from holding any office under the laws or constitution of this state.
Acts 2005, ch. 102, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 1 - FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-133) › Section 2-10-127 - Reports by members of the general assembly, members-elect of the general assembly, governor, members of the governor's staff, secretary of state, treasurer, or comptroller of the treasury regarding siblings, spouses or children who are lobbyists

(a)
Any person subject to the prohibition in §
2-10-123(a)
, whose sibling, spouse or child is required to register as a lobbyist under §
3-6-302
, shall report in writing, on a form developed by the Tennessee ethics commission:
(1)
The name of the person making the disclosure and such person's business address;
(2)
The name and business address of the sibling, spouse or child;
(3)
The position of the sibling, spouse or child; and
(4)
The name and address of each person for whom the sibling, spouse or child registers for the purpose of lobbying.
(b)
The report shall be filed with the commission annually no later than February 1.
(c)
Each person subject to the prohibition in §
2-10-123(a)
shall file a supplementary report with the Tennessee ethics commission that includes a complete description of any information that has changed from the information supplied in the last registration form or last report. Such supplementary reports shall be filed within ten (10) days of any such change.
(d)
(1)
A person subject to the prohibition in §
2-10-123(a)
shall declare before taking a legislative or administrative action on any matter: "It may be considered that I have a degree of personal interest in the subject matter of this bill or action, but I declare that my argument and my ultimate vote answer only to my conscience and to my obligation to my constituents and the citizens of the state of Tennessee," if:
(A)
The person is employed by a business entity that employs a lobbyist, and such lobbyist is employed by the business entity to lobby such legislative or administrative action; or
(B)
The matter is lobbied by a sibling, spouse or child of the person subject to the prohibition in §
2-10-123(a)
.
(2)
The person may alternatively state that the person is declaring a potential conflict of interest, in accordance with this section, or indicate the conflict via the voting board in the chamber of the house of representatives or the senate.
(e)
The report shall be made under oath and shall contain a statement that a false statement on the report is subject to the penalties of perjury.
(f)
All disclosures made to the commission pursuant to this section are public records and open for inspection during regular business hours.
(g)
Failure to file a report required by this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 2005, ch. 102, § 1; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, §§ 28, 30, 31.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 1 - FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-133) › Section 2-10-129 - Disclosure of fees paid to a member of the general assembly or the member's spouse for services performed outside of the state

(a)
(1)
If any person or other entity that contracts with the state of Tennessee, pays more than a two hundred dollar ($200) fee, commission or other form of compensation, to a member of the general assembly or a member's spouse, for consulting services on contracts to which the state of Tennessee is not a party, and for which such consulting services are to be rendered outside the state of Tennessee, then such person or entity shall disclose the following to the Tennessee ethics commission:
(A)
The name and address of the person or entity paying the fee, commission or other form of compensation;
(B)
The person to whom the fee, commission or other form of compensation was paid, including the amount paid;
(C)
The position of the person to whom the fee, commission or other form of compensation was paid;
(D)
The date the services were rendered; and
(E)
A general description of the services rendered.
(2)
As used in this subsection (a), "consulting services" means services performed outside the state of Tennessee, which would be defined as "influencing legislative or administrative action", in §
3-6-301
, if such services were performed in the state of Tennessee. "Consulting services" also includes services to advise or assist a person or entity in maintaining, applying for, soliciting or entering into a contract with a state other than the state of Tennessee.
(b)
The disclosure shall be on a form designed by the Tennessee ethics commission, shall be made under oath, and shall contain a statement that a false statement on the report is subject to the penalties of perjury. A disclosure form shall be filed within five (5) days of entering into a contract not involving the state of Tennessee with a member of the general assembly. Such form shall be updated annually, no later than February 1, if necessary.
(c)
All disclosures made to the commission pursuant to this section are public records, and are open for inspection during regular business hours.
(d)
(1)
It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person or entity to knowingly fail to file a disclosure form as required by this section.
(2)
It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person or entity to file a disclosure form required by this section more than thirty (30) days after the date on which the report is due.
Acts 2005, ch. 476, § 3; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 28.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 1 - FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-133) › Section 2-10-130 - Disclosure of fees, commissions or other compensation for consulting services paid to the governor, secretary of state, comptroller of the treasury, treasurer, governor's cabinet, cabinet level staff, or their spouses

(a)
If any person or other entity that contracts with the state of Tennessee, pays more than a two hundred dollar ($200) fee, commission or other form of compensation, to the governor, secretary of state, comptroller of the treasury, treasurer, any member of the governor's cabinet, any cabinet level staff, or such persons' spouses, for consulting services on contracts to which the state of Tennessee is not a party, and for which consulting services are to be rendered outside the state of Tennessee, then the person or entity shall disclose the following to the Tennessee ethics commission:
(1)
The name and address of the person or entity paying the fee, commission or other form of compensation;
(2)
The person to whom the fee, commission or other form of compensation was paid, including the amount paid;
(3)
The position of the person to whom the fee, commission or other form of compensation was paid;
(4)
The date the services were rendered; and
(5)
A general description of the services rendered.
(b)
As used in this section, "consulting services" means services performed outside the state of Tennessee that would be defined as influencing legislative or administrative action, in §
3-6-301
, if those services were performed in the state of Tennessee. "Consulting services" also includes services to advise or assist a person or entity in maintaining, applying for, soliciting or entering into a contract with a state other than the state of Tennessee.
(c)
The disclosure shall be on a form designed by the Tennessee ethics commission, shall be made under oath, and shall contain a statement that a false statement on the report is subject to the penalties of perjury. A disclosure form shall be filed within five (5) days of entering into a contract not involving the state of Tennessee with persons subject to subsection (a). The form shall be updated annually, no later than February 1, if necessary.
(d)
All disclosures made to the commission pursuant to this section are public records, and are open for inspection during regular business hours.
(e)
(1)
It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person or entity to knowingly fail to file a disclosure form as required by this section.
(2)
It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person or entity to file a disclosure form required by this section more than thirty (30) days after the date on which the report is due.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 34.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 1 - FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-133) › Section 2-10-131 - Investment of campaign funds

(a)
All campaign funds must be deposited into and maintained in a financial institution insured by the federal deposit insurance corporation or the national credit union administration duly authorized to do business in Tennessee and operating under the authority of the department of financial institutions, the United States comptroller of the currency, or the federal reserve board.
(b)
Any interest, dividends, or income earned by an investment made pursuant to subsection (a) must be reported on the candidate's or political campaign committee's financial disclosure report.
(c)
Any campaign contribution received in a non-monetary form may be held in the form received until the contribution is used to pay expenditures. The funds must be deposited in accordance with subsection (a) at the time of conversion.
(d)
Any investment not authorized by subsection (a) is prohibited and the candidate, or in the case of a multicandidate political campaign committee, the treasurer, shall be subject to a civil penalty by the registry of election finance. The registry of election finance may impose a maximum civil penalty for a violation of this section of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or one hundred fifteen percent (115%) of the amount invested in violation of this section, whichever is greater.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 109,s 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 1 - FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-133) › Section 2-10-132 - Designation as a political campaign committee for reporting purposes - Report of expenditures by tax exempt organization

(a)
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a corporation that uses corporate funds, moneys or credits for communications expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate which funds, moneys or credits are not used with the cooperation or with the prior consent of, or in consultation with, or at the request of, or suggestion of, a candidate or any agent or authorized committee of the candidate shall be considered a political campaign committee for purposes of reporting such expenditures. The corporation shall be required to file reports required by §
2-10-105(c)(1)
and an appointment of treasurer form.
(b)
(1)
Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, an organization that is tax exempt under United States Internal Revenue Service Code § 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) (
26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(4), (5), or (6)
) is required to report expenditures in accordance with §
2-10-105(c)(1) and (h)
during the remainder of an election year and certify the name and address of any person who directly controls such expenditures along with any such person's evidence of identification as defined in §
2-10-105(e)(3)(C)
to the registry of election finance if:
(A)
The organization expends an aggregate total of at least five thousand dollars ($5,000) in organizational funds, moneys, or credits for communications that expressly contain the name or visually depict the likeness of a state candidate in a primary or general election; and
(B)
Such expenditures or communications occur within sixty (60) calendar days immediately preceding a primary or general election in which the named or visually depicted candidate appears on the ballot.
(2)
This subsection (b) does not require an organization that is tax exempt under United States Internal Revenue Service Code § 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) (
26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(4), (5), or (6)
) to report any form of contributions.
(3)
As used in this subsection (b), "communications" does not include:
(A)
Any communication by any membership organization solely to its members, employees, or to any person who has expressly consented to receiving communications from the organization;
(B)
Any communication made prior to the period described in subdivision (b)(1)(B) but that remains accessible during the period; provided, that such communication is not actively promoted or distributed by the organization within the period to the public at large excluding any person described in subdivision (b)(3)(A); or
(C)
Any communication made to an official in the legislative branch or an official in the executive branch during any session of the general assembly.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087, s 13, eff. 7/1/2022.
Acts 2010 , ch. 1095, § 4.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 1 - FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-133) › Section 2-10-133 - Restrictions on continuing future contributions

A candidate or political campaign committee, in soliciting and receiving a contribution from a person, shall not utilize pre-checked or pre-marked boxes in a solicitation authorizing or requiring continuing future contributions to that candidate or committee from the credit card or another form of payment provided by the person from whom a contribution is requested. Such a request for a continuing future contribution from a potential contributor must be accepted and acknowledged in writing by the potential contributor in clear and precise language evidencing the intent of the contributor to authorize a continuing contribution. Such continuing contributions must not exceed the contribution limits established in part 3 of this chapter.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1087,s 26, eff. 5/27/2022.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 2 - REGISTRY OF ELECTION FINANCE (§§ 2-10-201 — 2-10-214) › Section 2-10-201 - Short title

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Registry of Election Finance Act of 1989."
Acts 1989, ch. 585, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 2 - REGISTRY OF ELECTION FINANCE (§§ 2-10-201 — 2-10-214) › Section 2-10-202 - Legislative intent

It is the intent of the general assembly to provide adequate financial disclosure by public officials, candidates for public office, and lobbyists. Furthermore, it is the intent of the general assembly to establish a registry of election finance to ensure enforcement of these statutes.
Acts 1989, ch. 585, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 2 - REGISTRY OF ELECTION FINANCE (§§ 2-10-201 — 2-10-214) › Section 2-10-205 - Jurisdiction to administer and enforce certain statutes

The registry has the jurisdiction to administer and enforce the following:
(1)
The Campaign Financial Disclosure Act, compiled in part 1 of this chapter; and
(2)
The Campaign Contribution Limits Act, compiled in part 3 of this chapter.
Acts 1989, ch. 585, § 5; 1995, ch. 531, § 4; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 10.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 2 - REGISTRY OF ELECTION FINANCE (§§ 2-10-201 — 2-10-214) › Section 2-10-206 - Registry of election finance - Duties

(a)
The duties of the registry include the following:
(1)
Develop prescribed forms for statements that are required to be filed under the laws pursuant to §
2-10-205
, with the objective of making the disclosure statements as simple and understandable as possible for both the person filing the disclosure statement and the average citizen of the state of Tennessee;
(2)
Develop a filing, coding and cross-indexing system;
(3)
Make each report filed available for public inspection and copying during regular office hours at the expense of any person requesting copies of the same;
(4)
Review all filed statements to ensure compliance with the respective disclosure laws. Statements filed with the registry for more than two (2) years shall be deemed to be sufficient, absent a showing of fraud or the existence of an ongoing investigation related to the statement;
(5)
Prepare and publish a manual for all candidates and committees, describing the requirements of the law, including uniform methods of bookkeeping and reporting and requirements as to reporting dates and the length of time that candidates and committees are required to keep any records pursuant to this part;
(6)
Provide an annual report to the governor and the general assembly concerning the administration and enforcement of the disclosure law by July 1 of each year that includes recommendations by the registry or a statement that the registry makes no recommendations;
(7)
Investigate any alleged violation upon sworn complaint or upon its own motion. If the registry investigates the records of any selected candidate, it may also investigate the records of all other candidates running for the same office in the same district or other appropriate geographic area;
(8)
Preserve all reports or statements for five (5) years from the date of filing, absent any pending investigation by the registry of election finance or any other law enforcement agency, or absent any administrative or court proceeding;
(9)
Notify all candidates for state public office in a state election of the requirements for filing any required disclosure statement fourteen (14) days before any fixed deadline provided for such filing; and
(10)
Conduct audits.
(b)
The registry shall notify each member of the general assembly by sending notice to the member's home address and the member's legislative office address in Nashville.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 108, s 9, eff. 1/1/2024.
Acts 1989, ch. 585, § 6; 1991, ch. 519, § 15; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 11.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 2 - REGISTRY OF ELECTION FINANCE (§§ 2-10-201 — 2-10-214) › Section 2-10-207 - Registry of election finance - Powers

The registry of election finance has the following powers:
(1)
Hold hearings, conduct audits, subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, and compel production of books, correspondence, papers and other records;
(2)
Issue written advisory opinions concerning compliance with this chapter, which may be relied upon without threat of sanction with respect to the issue addressed by the opinion, if the candidate or committee conforms the candidate's or committee's conduct to the requirements of the advisory opinion. Such advisory opinions shall be posted on the website of the registry of election finance;
(3)
In determining whether an actual violation has occurred, conduct a contested case hearing;
(4)
Issue an appropriate order following a determination;
(5)
Assess a late filing fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per day up to a maximum total penalty of seven hundred fifty dollars ($750);
(6)
Assess a civil penalty for any violation of the disclosure laws as provided by this part. Civil penalties may be assessed for any violation of the Campaign Financial Disclosure Act, compiled in part 1 of this chapter, and the Campaign Contribution Limits Act, compiled in part 3 of this chapter; provided, that the registry shall only have the power to assess a civil penalty after notice and opportunity for hearing; and
(7)
Where the results of its investigation indicate a criminal act may have occurred, the registry shall refer the matter to the appropriate district attorney general for criminal prosecution.
Acts 1989, ch. 585, § 7; 1990, ch. 1049, § 3; 1992, ch. 988, § 3; 1995, ch. 531, §§ 5-7; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 12; 2009 , ch. 556, § 11.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 2 - REGISTRY OF ELECTION FINANCE (§§ 2-10-201 — 2-10-214) › Section 2-10-208 - Applicability of part

(a)
All political accounts or funds subject to Tennessee law on January 1, 1990, shall become subject to this part.
(b)
For the purposes of enforcement, this part shall be prospective only, and the registry shall limit its investigations to acts or omissions which occur after January 1, 1990.
Acts 1989, ch. 585, § 30.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 2 - REGISTRY OF ELECTION FINANCE (§§ 2-10-201 — 2-10-214) › Section 2-10-209 - Enforcement - Chancery court petitions and orders through attorney general and reporter - Retention of private outside counsel

(a)
The registry has the authority to petition the chancery court through the attorney general and reporter for enforcement of any order it has issued. The court's order of enforcement has the same force and effect as a civil judgment.
(b)
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the registry may, in lieu of filing the petition through the attorney general and reporter, retain private outside counsel to pursue the collection of unpaid civil penalties assessed by order of the registry. The venue for such a suit is the county in which the defendant resides.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 302, s 1, eff. 5/4/2021.
Acts 1989, ch. 585, § 8.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 2 - REGISTRY OF ELECTION FINANCE (§§ 2-10-201 — 2-10-214) › Section 2-10-210 - Authority to establish or levy penalty or sanction

The registry of election finance shall not establish or levy any penalty or sanction for any action alleged to be a violation of the rules and regulations of the registry unless such action is also a violation of a statutory requirement.
Acts 1992, ch. 988, § 4.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 2 - REGISTRY OF ELECTION FINANCE (§§ 2-10-201 — 2-10-214) › Section 2-10-213 - Power and authority of registry in conducting audits and hearings - Subpoenas - Contempt

(a)
(1)
For the purpose of conducting any hearing or audit as provided in this chapter, the registry has the power to administer oaths, to call any party to testify under oath at the hearings, to require the attendance of witnesses, the production of books, records, and papers, and to take the depositions of witnesses.
(2)
For purposes of subdivision (a)(1), the registry is authorized to issue a subpoena for any witness or a subpoena duces tecum to compel the production of any books, records or papers. These subpoenas may be served by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the addressee's business mailing address, or by personnel of the registry, or shall be directed for service to the sheriff of the county where the witness resides or is found, or where the person in custody of any books, records, or papers resides or is found.
(b)
In case of a refusal to obey a subpoena issued to any person under subsection (a), any circuit or chancery court of this state within the jurisdiction in which the person refusing to obey the subpoena is found or resides may issue to the person, upon application by the registry, an order requiring the person to appear before the court to show cause why the person should not be held in contempt for refusal to obey the subpoena. Failure to obey a subpoena may be punished by the court as a contempt of court.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 15.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 2 - REGISTRY OF ELECTION FINANCE (§§ 2-10-201 — 2-10-214) › Section 2-10-214 - Required training program for members of registry

(a)
A person who is appointed to the registry of election finance may not vote, deliberate, or be counted as a member in attendance at a meeting of the registry until the person completes a training program provided by the office of the attorney general and reporter that complies with this section. This section shall not apply to members who are reappointed to the registry.
(b)
The training program shall provide the person with information regarding:
(1)
The legislation that created the registry;
(2)
The role and function of the registry;
(3)
The rules of the registry, with an emphasis on the rules that relate to disciplinary and investigatory authority;
(4)
The current budget for the registry;
(5)
The results of the most recent formal audit of the registry;
(6)
The requirements of the campaign finance laws administered and enforced by the registry; and
(7)
Any applicable policies adopted by the registry.
(c)
A person appointed to the registry is entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred in attending the training program.
(d)
This section shall apply prospectively to members appointed to the registry after February 15, 2006.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 20.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 3 - CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS LIMITS (§§ 2-10-301 — 2-10-313) › Section 2-10-301 - Short title - Jurisdiction

(a)
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Campaign Contribution Limits Act of 1995."
(b)
The registry of election finance has jurisdiction to administer and enforce this part.
Acts 1995, ch. 531, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 3 - CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS LIMITS (§§ 2-10-301 — 2-10-313) › Section 2-10-303 - Indirect contributions - Political action committees

For purposes of the limitations contained in this part:
(1)
Contributions made to any political campaign committee authorized by a candidate to accept contributions on the candidate's behalf shall be considered to be contributions made to such candidate;
(2)
Contributions made by a political campaign committee authorized by a candidate to make expenditures on the candidate's behalf shall be considered contributions made by such candidate;
(3)
All contributions made by a person, either directly or indirectly, on behalf of a particular candidate, including contributions which are in any way earmarked or otherwise directed through an intermediary or conduit to such candidate, shall be treated as contributions from such person to such candidate. The intermediary or conduit shall report the original source and the intended recipient of such contribution to the registry of election finance and to the intended recipient;
(4)
All contributions made by affiliated political campaign committees shall be considered to have been made by a single committee; and
(5)
Expenditures made by any person in cooperation, consultation, or concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, a candidate, the candidate's political campaign committees, or their agents, shall be considered to be a contribution to such candidate. For purposes of this subdivision (5), the financing by any person of the dissemination, distribution, or republication, in whole or in part, of any broadcast or any written, graphic, or other form of campaign materials prepared by the candidate, the candidate's political campaign committees, or their authorized agents shall be considered to be an expenditure.
Acts 1995, ch. 531, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 3 - CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS LIMITS (§§ 2-10-301 — 2-10-313) › Section 2-10-304 - Loans

(a)
The limitations contained in this part do not apply to any loan of money by a financial institution as defined in §
45-10-102
that:
(1)
Is made in accordance with applicable law and in the ordinary course of business;
(2)
Is made on a basis reasonably designed to assure repayment, evidenced by a written instrument, and subject to a payment due date or amortization schedule; and
(3)
Bears the usual and customary interest rate of the lending institution.
(b)
An endorsement or guaranty of a loan made pursuant to subsection (a) shall be considered a contribution in the amount of the endorsement or guaranty and shall be subject to the limitations contained in this part. Where the written instrument does not specify the portion of the loan for which the endorser or guarantor is liable, each endorser or guarantor shall be considered to have made a contribution in that proportion of the unpaid balance that each endorser or guarantor bears to the total number of endorsers or guarantors.
Acts 1995, ch. 531, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 3 - CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS LIMITS (§§ 2-10-301 — 2-10-313) › Section 2-10-305 - Retention or transfer of funds

The limits contained in this part do not apply to:
(1)
The retention of funds by a candidate pursuant to §
2-10-114(a)(1)
;
(2)
The transfer of funds by a candidate pursuant to §
2-10-114(a)(1)
to a campaign fund of the same candidate for election to a different state or local public office; or
(3)
The transfer of funds by a candidate for election to a federal office to a campaign fund of the same candidate for election to a state or local public office.
Acts 1995, ch. 531, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 3 - CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS LIMITS (§§ 2-10-301 — 2-10-313) › Section 2-10-307 - Violations - Return of unlawful contributions

(a)
No candidate or political campaign committee shall accept any contribution or make any expenditure in violation of this part. No officer or employee of a political campaign committee shall accept a contribution made for the benefit or use of a candidate, or make any expenditure on behalf of a candidate, in violation of any limitation imposed on contributions and expenditures under this section.
(b)
In keeping with the federal law, a contribution made or accepted in excess of the limitations established by this part shall not be a violation of this part if the candidate or the political campaign committee returns or refunds the contribution to the person who made the contribution within sixty (60) days of the candidate's or committee's receipt of the contribution.
Acts 1995, ch. 531, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 3 - CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS LIMITS (§§ 2-10-301 — 2-10-313) › Section 2-10-308 - Penalties

(a)
The registry of election finance may impose a maximum civil penalty for a violation of this part of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or one hundred fifteen percent (115%) of the amount of all contributions made or accepted in excess of the limitations established by this part, whichever is greater.
(b)
Penalties imposed under this part shall be deposited into the state general fund.
(c)
To request a waiver, reduction, or to contest a penalty imposed by the registry of election finance pursuant to this part, a person or political campaign committee shall file a petition with the registry of election finance. Such petition may be considered as a contested case proceeding under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. In any such contested case proceeding, the person or political campaign committee bears the burden of proof to establish that the person or committee's conduct complied with this part.
(d)
If a civil penalty lawfully assessed against a candidate is not paid within thirty (30) days after the assessment becomes final, the candidate shall be ineligible to qualify for election to any state or local public office until such penalty is paid.
(e)
If a civil penalty lawfully assessed and all lawfully assessed costs attendant to the penalty against a political campaign committee are not paid within thirty (30) calendar days after the assessment becomes final:
(1)
The political campaign committee owing the civil penalty shall not receive contributions; make expenditures to support or oppose candidates; or make expenditures to other political campaign committees. The treasurer and officers of such delinquent political campaign committee shall not create another political campaign committee or serve as a treasurer or an officer for another political campaign committee until such penalty and all costs attendant to the penalty are paid in full; and
(2)
The treasurer and the officers of the political campaign committee listed on the forms on file with the registry pursuant to §
2-10-105(e)
at the time the conduct that gave rise to the civil penalty occurred are ineligible to qualify for election to a state or local public office until the penalty is paid.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 108, s 11, eff. 4/4/2023.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 487, s 2, eff. 5/18/2021.
Acts 1995, ch. 531, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 3 - CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS LIMITS (§§ 2-10-301 — 2-10-313) › Section 2-10-309 - Construction with federal law

In determining issues arising in regard to this part, the registry may rely on the precedents established under the federal law.
Acts 1995, ch. 531, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 3 - CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS LIMITS (§§ 2-10-301 — 2-10-313) › Section 2-10-311 - Limitations on cash contributions

(a)
No person shall make cash contributions to any candidate with respect to any election that, in the aggregate, exceed fifty dollars ($50.00).
(b)
No person shall make cash contributions to any political campaign committee or multicandidate political campaign committee with respect to any election that, in the aggregate, exceed fifty dollars ($50.00).
(c)
No political campaign committee or multicandidate political campaign committee shall make cash contributions to any candidate with respect to any election.
(d)
No political campaign committee or multicandidate political campaign committee shall make cash contributions to any other political campaign committee or multicandidate political campaign committee with respect to any election.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 16.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 3 - CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS LIMITS (§§ 2-10-301 — 2-10-313) › Section 2-10-312 - Senate contribution limit resets

Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, with regard to any candidate for senate, the limits in §
2-10-302(b)(1) and (c)(1)(B)
must reset every two (2) years in the same manner the house of representatives' limit resets; provided, however, that the candidate has a total of four (4) years to accumulate the total amount allowed by having the limit reset every two (2) years. Any candidate running for senate must have the same limits as any candidate in the same race who has accumulated limits under this section.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 487, s 3, eff. 5/18/2021.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 3 - CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS LIMITS (§§ 2-10-301 — 2-10-313) › Section 2-10-313 - Solicitation and acceptance of campaign contributions by judicial candidate

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a judicial candidate may personally solicit and accept campaign contributions.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 668,s 1, eff. 3/18/2022.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 2 - ELECTIONS (§§ 2-1-101 — 2-20-109) › Chapter 10 - CAMPAIGN FINANCES (§§ 2-10-101 — 2-10-406) › Part 4 - GUBERNATORIAL INAUGURATION FINANCE DISCLOSURE (§§ 2-10-401 — 2-10-406) › Section 2-10-401 - Short title

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Gubernatorial Inauguration Finance Disclosure Act."
Acts 2001, ch. 458, § 1.