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.

SB 467 amends Tennessee law to allow individuals to sue commercial entities (like businesses) that knowingly handle obscene material, such as by possessing, promoting, or distributing it. If a court finds a violation, the entity could face civil liability for actual damages, punitive damages, court costs, and attorney fees. The bill explicitly protects internet service providers from liability for content they don’t create, such as websites or user-generated material. It applies to violations of existing obscenity laws without requiring a prior criminal conviction.