Tennessee House Bill HB0916

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, Chapter 10; Title 2, Chapter 19; Title 3, Chapter 6; Title 4, Chapter 29; Title 4, Chapter 55 and Title 8, Chapter 50, Part 5.

Summary

HB0916 requires the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance to prepare a report by September 1, 2025 on the use of digital currency contributions to candidates and political campaign committees over the previous five years. The report must be delivered to the speakers of the Senate and House, the legislative librarian, and the Office of Legislative Budget Analysis. The bill is a reporting measure rather than a substantive regulation of campaign finance. It does not prohibit, limit, or authorize digital currency contributions; instead, it directs the state’s election finance authority to collect and summarize information about how cryptocurrency and other digital assets have been used in political giving.

Impact

HB0916 would amend Tennessee Code Annotated Section 2-10-113 by adding a new reporting requirement for the Registry of Election Finance. Its practical effect is to create a formal legislative record on digital currency in campaign finance, potentially informing future policy decisions on cryptocurrency donations, disclosure rules, and election oversight. No new penalties, contribution limits, or enforcement powers are created by the bill.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes, the measure appears neutral and informational in nature. The bill’s focus on data collection suggests it is likely to be viewed as a low-conflict oversight proposal rather than a controversial campaign finance restriction. There is no evidence in the provided materials of organized support or opposition, but the reporting mandate itself may appeal to lawmakers interested in transparency and emerging financial technologies.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is whether the state should track digital currency contributions at all and whether the Registry of Election Finance has sufficient information or resources to compile a five-year retrospective report. Any debate would likely center on the usefulness of the data, the administrative burden on the registry, and broader concerns about cryptocurrency’s role in political fundraising and disclosure. No specific opposing or supporting groups are identified in the provided record.