House Bill 222 amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to civil actions, specifically focusing on the provisions for damages and class actions. The bill 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.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new subsection to Section 39-17-902, which establishes civil liability for individuals or entities that violate subsection (a), allowing for recovery of nominal damages, actual damages, punitive damages, court costs, and reasonable attorney fees. It also 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 provide guidance to commercial entities for compliance. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law.

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