Committee forwards civil-liability bill for paid demonstrators amid debate over evidence

House Bill 21-09 would create civil liability for individuals or entities that pay demonstrators who then commit certain offenses, including rioting, obstruction of highways and other specified crimes. Sponsor and backers said the measure targets financiers of criminal activity; critics questioned whether paid-protester incidents have been documented in Tennessee beyond national anecdotes.

Representative Johnson asked whether evidence exists that paid protesters operate in Tennessee; Representative Boyd, the bill's sponsor, acknowledged that the record in the state is largely anecdotal but said law enforcement could discover payments when crimes occur. Leader Lambert cited private companies that offer paid-crowd services and said the phenomenon does occur.

After adopting amendments and debate, the committee voted 15 ayes, 4 nos to send the bill as amended to Calendar and Rules.

What happens next: HB 21-09 proceeds to Calendar and Rules where scheduling and any further floor consideration will be set.