House Bill 222 amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to civil actions. It modifies Section 39-17-912(e)(1) by replacing the phrase "including court costs and reasonable attorney fees" with a more comprehensive list that includes "actual damages; nominal damages; punitive damages, if applicable pursuant to 29-39-104; court costs; and reasonable attorney fees." Additionally, a new subdivision is added to Section 39-17-912(e) allowing actions under this section to be certified as class actions in accordance with Rule 23 of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure. The bill also removes subsection (h) from Section 39-17-912 and introduces a new subsection to Section 39-17-902, which establishes civil liability for violations, including nominal, actual, and punitive damages.

Furthermore, the bill designates existing language in Section 39-17-912(j) as subdivision (j)(1) and adds a new subdivision (j)(2) that empowers the attorney general and reporter to issue guidance for commercial entities to ensure compliance with the law. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law, emphasizing the public welfare.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-17-912(e)(1), 39-17-912, 39-17-912(e), 39-17-902, 39-17-912(j)