Senate Bill 204, also known as the "Tennessee Homebuyer Harassment Prevention Act," aims to enhance consumer protection for property owners in Tennessee by regulating unsolicited contact from individuals or entities seeking to purchase real property. The bill establishes that a person may not contact a property owner more than once in a calendar year regarding an unsolicited offer to buy their property. It also mandates that any person making such contact must provide their legal name, operating address, and contact information prior to solicitation. Exceptions to this rule are made for licensed real estate agents and government agencies.

Additionally, the bill outlines a complaint process for property owners who believe they have been contacted in violation of these provisions, allowing them to submit complaints to the Division of Consumer Affairs. The Attorney General is granted investigative and enforcement authority, with the ability to impose civil penalties of up to $2,000 for violations. The bill also addresses misleading caller identification practices related to these unsolicited contacts and includes provisions for the enforcement of penalties. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and applies to prohibited conduct occurring on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 47-18-2302(a), 47-18-2302, 65-4-405