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Senate adopts amendment allowing AG civil suits, sets heavy penalties for in-state distribution of abortion-inducing drugs
Summary
Senate Bill 24 12, amended to authorize the attorney general to bring civil actions and impose penalties (up to $10,000 per violation and up to $1,000,000 where death or serious injury resulted), passed the Senate after floor debate on enforcement scope and penalties.
Senate Bill 24 12 was amended on the floor to provide the attorney general authority to bring civil actions to enforce laws concerning shipment and distribution of abortion-inducing drugs within Tennessee and to levy civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, and up to $1,000,000 where serious bodily injury or death resulted.
Chairman Gardener, offering the amendment, described it as giving the attorney general an enforcement tool in addition to criminal penalties. Sponsor Senator Hensley said the measure increases penalties when in-state provision of abortion-inducing drugs causes death or major injury and emphasized the state’s pro-life posture. “This is just increasing the penalty if that happens,” Hensley said.
Opponents questioned whether the amendment duplicated existing caps on non-economic damages and whether it established an unusual bounty or incentive structure for investigations. Senator Yarbrough warned of disproportionate effects and potential invasions of privacy if enforcement required deep inquiries into individuals’ private medical decisions.
The amendment was adopted, and the Senate passed the bill on third and final reading; the transcript records the vote and declares passage.
