Senate Bill 1262, also known as House Bill 1379, aims to amend Tennessee law regarding the use of fake checks for advertising purposes. The bill introduces a new section to Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 45, which prohibits individuals from sending fake checks or images of fake checks through the mail for advertising, regardless of any disclaimers stating that the checks are not real or voided. The Department of Financial Institutions is tasked with enforcing this new regulation and must create rules in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 47-18-104(b) of the Tennessee Code Annotated by adding a new subdivision that identifies violations of the newly established section 45-1-131 as a violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977. This means that such violations will be considered unfair or deceptive acts affecting trade or commerce, subjecting offenders to the penalties and remedies outlined in the Consumer Protection Act. The act will take effect upon becoming law for the purpose of rule promulgation, while other provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, applying to conduct occurring on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 47-18-104(b), 47-18-104