Ethics - As introduced, specifies that an impermissible indirect gift to candidates for public office and certain officials and their family members includes, but is not limited to, 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 564 clarifies ethics rules for Tennessee officials by expanding what counts as an impermissible gift and adding travel expense disclosure requirements. It directly affects candidates for office, certain public officials, their family members, and the governor/cabinet officers. The bill specifies that gifts from entities tied to a lobbyist’s employer (through business or political links) are prohibited, and requires governors/cabinet members to disclose travel expenses paid by entities with interests in state policy. These changes aim to increase transparency around potential conflicts of interest in lobbying and official travel.