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House advances consumer protection updates after debate over enforcement safeguards
Summary
Legislation conforming House Bill 24‑53 to Senate Bill 17‑35, updating the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, passed after debate about whether it weakens enforcement authority; sponsor said the measure clarifies discovery scope and enforcement mechanics for ticket sales and other issues.
Representative Garrett introduced House Bill 24‑53 (substituted to conform to Senate Bill 17‑35) and described it as an update to the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act that "clarifies unfair and deceptive acts," narrows the publisher's exception and limits the scope of discovery in certain enforcement actions. Garrett said the bill streamlines voluntary compliance and clarifies class‑action provisions.
Representative Bane and others raised concerns on the floor about whether the changes would weaken the state's ability to hold large corporations accountable for deceptive practices, citing a recent $45 million settlement against CVS in Louisiana for deceptive communications. Bane asked whether Tennessee is removing safeguards around enforcement agreements and oversight.
Representative Garrett responded that the contested portion of the bill relates to ticket sales enforcement and not the areas Bane described, praising the state's attorney general as protecting consumers. The House proceeded to roll to a vote on Senate Bill 17‑35; the clerk reported 68 yeas and 17 nays and the bill was declared passed on third consideration.
The record shows sponsor remarks, floor questions about corporate accountability, and a recorded passage for the substituted Senate bill.
