Obscenity and Pornography - As introduced, specifies that a commercial entity that knowingly possesses, promotes, purchases, produces, sells, sends, transports, or distributes obscene matter in violation of state law may be held civilly liable to an individual for nominal damages, actual damages, punitive damages, court costs, and reasonable attorney fees. - Amends TCA Title 28 and Title 39.

HB 221 allows individuals to sue commercial entities (such as businesses distributing obscene material) for civil damages if they knowingly violate Tennessee's obscenity laws. The bill creates a new civil cause of action for nominal damages, actual damages, punitive damages (if applicable), court costs, and attorney fees without requiring a prior criminal conviction. It specifically exempts internet service providers from liability for content they didn't create, such as when merely providing access to websites. This legislation amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Titles 28 and 39, to expand civil remedies for victims of obscene material distribution.