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.

SB 548 strengthens Tennessee's ethics rules by clarifying that certain gifts to candidates and officials are prohibited if provided by an entity linked to a lobbyist's employer. It requires the governor and cabinet officers to disclose travel expenses paid by entities with a stake in state policy, including the source and amount. The bill also explicitly defines "indirect gifts" to cover arrangements where a lobbyist's employer or related business provides benefits. These changes take effect July 1, 2025, aiming to increase transparency around potential conflicts of interest.