Tennessee
SB 2222 / HB 2109: New civil liability for protest organizers and supporters
Establishes a new basis for civil lawsuits against protest organizers and supporters. Under the law, a claimant may seek damages from someone who compensates another person to participate in a protest, if the participant’s conduct satisfies the elements of certain crimes. The specified crimes include “disorderly conduct,” “obstructing a highway or passageway,” and “disrupting meetings,” among others, though the law does not require that the participant was ever convicted in order for civil liability to apply. The law defines “compensation” broadly to include not only salary or payment but any “valuable consideration,” and defines a “demonstration” as a public gathering of one or more people “protesting against something or expressing views on a political issue.” Under the law, groups whose employees engage in protests or advocacy as part of their work could face civil lawsuits, based on allegations that the employee was engaged in disorderly conduct (which can include making “unreasonable noise”), blocking a sidewalk, or disrupting public hearings or other government meetings.
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See full text of bill here)
Status: enacted
Introduced 2 Feb 2026; Approved by Senate 12 March 2026; Approved by House 26 March 2026; Signed by Governor Lee 13 April 2026
Issue(s): Civil Liability, Protest Supporters or Funders, Riot, Traffic Interference
Utah
HB 331: New penalties for protesters who wear masks or block traffic
Creates a serious misdemeanor offense that can cover peaceful demonstrators who wear a mask. Under the law, it is a Class A misdemeanor to wear a mask or other disguise in public with intent to conceal one’s identity from government officials, while either committing any offense or congregating with other people known to be committing, or attempting to commit, any offense. As such, peaceful demonstrators who choose wear a mask to avoid government surveillance or retaliation for their political views, could face arrest and criminal charges. The law does not require that a masked demonstrator themselves commit or intend to commit any unlawful act. Wearing a mask while part of a demonstration where other participants commit or attempt to commit minor violations of state or local law, such as blocking a sidewalk or violating noise ordinances, could be covered. A Class A misdemeanor in Utah is punishable by up to one year in jail. The law also adds the offense of “aggravated disorderly conduct on a street or highway” as a predicate offense for Utah’s racketeering statute. As a result, the law creates potential criminal and civil racketeering liability for organizers and protesters involved in demonstrations on highways or major roads. As introduced, the law also created new felony offenses that could cover peaceful protesters who block traffic; these provisions were removed by amendment before the law was enacted.
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See full text of bill here)
Status: enacted
Introduced 22 Jan 2026; Approved by House 24 February 2026; Approved by Senate 5 March 2026; Signed by Governor Cox 24 March 2026
Issue(s): Civil Liability, Protest Supporters or Funders, Traffic Interference
