Committee advances 'CRUSH' bill to penalize transnational repression and set state complaint pathways

Chairman Todd presented House Bill 22 79, the "CRUSH Transnational Repression in Tennessee Act," explaining it creates criminal penalties for intimidation, harassment or coercion carried out on behalf of foreign adversaries or foreign terrorist organizations. Todd told the committee the bill enhances penalties when crimes are committed under direction of foreign regimes or terror networks and "creates a new felony offense for unauthorized foreign law enforcement activity inside the state." He said the bill also prevents Tennessee courts from enforcing foreign court rulings or contracts if doing so would violate U.S. or Tennessee constitutional rights and requires state agencies to establish complaint pathways for victims.

Representative Johnson and others asked whether federal agencies (FBI, CIA) or state agencies such as the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) would lead investigations; Todd and committee members said the bill builds a statewide reporting and response capacity and that TBI and Department of Safety officers could investigate offenses under the statute. Todd characterized the bill as focused on state‑level protection and reporting rather than supplanting federal jurisdiction.

After questions about the scope and coordination, the committee voted to send HB2279 as amended to Calendar and Rules; the clerk recorded 18 ayes, 0 nos and 3 present not voting.

The bill includes an effective date provision and severability language; members asked staff to confirm the interplay with federal authorities before further action.