Bill To Prohibit Out-Of-State Political Action Committees From Influencing Tennessee GOP Primary Elections Scheduled For Committee Consideration

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The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –

A bill that aims to prohibit out-of-state political action committees (PACs) from influencing GOP primary elections races in Tennessee has been scheduled for committee consideration in the Senate on Tuesday of this week.

Millions of dollars from out-of-state groups were poured into certain candidates during the 2024 primary election.

Senate Bill 1040 (SB1040), sponsored by Sen. Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma-District 16), seeks to end this practice of out-of-state PACs making contributions, including in-kind contributions, to candidates running in a Tennessee GOP primary.

Sen. Bowling previously told The Tennessee Conservative that she would welcome an amendment from the Democrat party that would apply the legislation to primaries held by both parties.

She also stated that this legislation was a “no brainer,” referring to the fact that the U.S. is a constitutional republic, noting that the people each lawmaker represents “should have the loudest voice.” 

Not out-of-state PACs.

Rep. Jody Barrett (R-Dickson-District 69) is the sponsor of companion House Bill 868 (HB0868).

SB1040 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate State and Local Government Committee during a 10:30AM (CST) meeting on Tuesday, April 1^st, 2025.

Contact information for committee members can be found below.

HB0868/SB1040 Summary: As introduced, prohibits out-of-state political campaign committees from making contributions to influence a state or local primary election for the Republican Party. – Amends TCA Title 2 and Title 3.

Sen.richard.briggs@capitol.tn.gov, sen.page.walley@capitol.tn.gov, sen.tom.hatcher@capitol.tn.gov, sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov, sen.ed.jackson@capitol.tn.gov, sen.sara.kyle@capitol.tn.gov, sen.adam.lowe@capitol.tn.gov, sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov, sen.jeff.yarbro@capitol.tn.gov

About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee. Adelia is The Tennessee Conservative’s on-site reporter for the Tennessee General Assembly. You can reach Adelia at adelia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.