SB 2018 Tennessee Senate · 113th Regular Session (2023-2024)

Tort Liability and Reform - As enacted, declares a private entity to be not civilly liable in a class action resulting from a cybersecurity event unless the cybersecurity event was caused by willful and wanton misconduct or gross negligence on the part of the private entity. - Amends TCA Title 29 and Title 47.

This bill limits the ability of private companies to be sued in class-action lawsuits following a cybersecurity breach. It applies to any private business, including non-profits, and protects them from civil liability unless the breach was caused by willful misconduct, wanton behavior, or gross negligence. The law defines a cybersecurity event as unauthorized access to or disruption of an information system containing sensitive personal data, such as social security numbers or financial account details. By raising the standard of fault required for lawsuits, the bill aims to reduce the legal exposure for organizations that suffer data breaches through ordinary negligence.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2024
Committee Review
Apr 2024
Senate Passage
Jan 2024
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 29, 2024 Last action May 29, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
15
Key actions
9
Committee
8
Apr 2, 2024
Upper · Passed
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 5, Nays 1 PNV 2
upper
Apr 1, 2024
Upper · Passed
Action deferred in Senate Judiciary Committee to 4/2/2024
upper
Apr 1, 2024
Upper · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 4/2/2024
upper
Mar 27, 2024
Upper · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 4/1/2024
upper
Mar 12, 2024
Upper · Passed
Reset on Final calendar of Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
Mar 11, 2024
Upper · Passed
Action deferred in Senate Judiciary Committee to 3/12/2024
upper
Mar 11, 2024
Upper · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/12/2024
upper
Mar 6, 2024
Upper · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/11/2024
upper
Jan 31, 2024
Upper · Passed
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
Jan 29, 2024
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Shane Reeves
Shane Reeves
RRepublican
TN
14