FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2026
Contact: Jennifer.easton@capitol.tn.gov
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – House Majority Whip Clark Boyd, R-Lebanon, and Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, have introduced legislation to hold individuals and organizations accountable for damages, disruptions to critical infrastructure, or other unlawful conduct carried out by demonstrators they compensate.
House Bill 2109/Senate Bill 2222, would create a new legal pathway for victims to sue under vicarious liability when someone pays people to join demonstrations, often called “activism-for-hire” or “mercenary rioting.”
“This legislation ensures the constitutional rights of Tennesseans to peacefully assemble and express their views are protected while ensuring accountability for those who finance chaos and disruption,” Boyd said. “Whether it’s blocking highways, damaging property, harassing others, the goal is to deter the practice of paid disruption that endangers public safety or harms innocent people.”
Any organization or person who provides compensation, such as payments or other valuable considerations, to a demonstrator in exchange for their participation could be held liable for damages if the demonstrator’s actions meet the elements of specific criminal offenses, according to the proposal.
“This legislation draws a clear line between free speech and coordinated, paid disruption that damages property, threatens public safety and burdens taxpayers,” said Johnson. “If someone is financing unlawful activity for political or ideological gain, they should be held responsible for the consequences. Peaceful protest is a fundamental constitutional right, and nothing in this legislation changes that. This bill is about protecting communities, giving victims a path to be compensated for damages, and upholding the rule of law in Tennessee.”
The practice of activism-for-hire involves paying individuals to participate in rallies, protests and public demonstrations with the goal of creating the appearance of strong support and influencing public opinion.
Covered offenses would include:
- Rioting
- Aggravated rioting
- Disorderly conduct
- Obstructing a highway or passageway, or disobeying a reasonable request to move
- Harassment
- Civil rights intimidation
- Desecration of a venerated object
- Civil disorder involving acts of violence
- Disorderly conduct at funerals
- Unauthorized placement of signs or markings
To establish liability, plaintiffs must prove that compensation was provided for participation and that the demonstrator’s conduct resulted in ascertainable losses. A criminal conviction is not required.
The bill also empowers the Tennessee Attorney General to bring actions in the public interest against such funders, seeking legal or equitable relief, including costs and attorneys’ fees if the state prevails.
House Bill 2109/Senate Bill 2222 is expected to be heard in the House Civil Justice Subcommittee on March 4.
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