Ethics - As introduced, specifies that an impermissible indirect gift to candidates for public office and certain officials and their family members includes a gift provided by an entity that is related to, and its business or political activities are intertwined with, an employer of a lobbyist; requires the governor and officers of the governor's cabinet to disclose certain travel expenses. - Amends TCA Title 3, Chapter 6 and Title 8, Chapter 50, Part 5.

HB 82 updates Tennessee's ethics rules by clarifying that indirect gifts to candidates or officials - including those from entities tied to a lobbyist's employer - are prohibited. It also requires the governor and cabinet officers to publicly disclose travel expenses paid by entities with interests in state policy, excluding government-funded travel. The bill directly affects lobbyists, candidates, and state officials by tightening gift restrictions and expanding travel reporting. Currently pending committee review (withdrawn January 15, 2025), it would take effect July 1, 2025, if enacted.