Damages - As enacted, establishes a cause of action for persons to seek damages from persons who compensate others to participate in demonstrations when the paid demonstrators' conduct satisfies the elements of the criminal offense of rioting, or other similar offenses. - Amends TCA Title 29; Title 38 and Title 50.

SB 2222 creates a legal pathway for individuals to seek financial damages from people or entities that pay demonstrators to participate in protests, if those demonstrators commit specific criminal acts during the demonstration. It directly affects organizers who compensate protesters and individuals harmed by protest-related misconduct. The bill establishes liability if the demonstrator's conduct matches one of 11 listed offenses (such as rioting, disorderly conduct, or civil rights intimidation), without requiring a prior criminal conviction against the demonstrator. This policy change shifts potential financial responsibility to those who fund protest participation when illegal actions occur. The bill is currently pending in the Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee.