Tennessee § 1-3-119 - Express language required to create or confer a private right of action.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 1-3-119 — Express language required to create or confer a private right of action., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1-3-119. Express language required to create or confer a private right of action.

In order for legislation enacted by the general assembly to create or confer a private right of action, the legislation must contain express language creating or conferring the right. In the absence of the express language required by subsection (a), no court of this state, licensing board or administrative agency shall construe or interpret a statute to impliedly create or confer a private right of action except as otherwise provided in this section. Nothing in this section shall be construed in any way to impair the ability of a court to: Recognize a private right of action that was recognized before July 1, 2012, by the courts of this state as arising under a statute, unless the statute is amended after July 1, 2012, to expressly bar the private right of action; Create or confer a private right of action in the absence of a controlling statute on each cause of action contained in the complaint if such action is based on the common law; Utilize the doctrine of negligence per se; or Recognize a private right of action commenced by a state or local governmental entity to collect any fees owed for a governmental service or to recover such fees from a party that is obligated to bill and collect fees owed others for a governmental service. Nothing in this section shall be construed in any way to impair the ability of a state or local regulatory or licensing agency to enforce rules pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, if such rules were duly enacted through the rulemaking authority granted to any such agency by statute. Acts 2012, ch. 759, § 1. Compiler's Notes. Acts 2012, ch. 759, § 2 provided that the act, which enacted this section, shall apply to all actions that accrue on or after July 1, 2012.

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 1-3-119

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 1-3-119 cover?

Section 1-3-119 ("Express language required to create or confer a private right of action.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Tennessee § 1-3-119?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 1-3-119" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Tennessee law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.

How does Tennessee § 1-3-119 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.