Tennessee § 2-19-203 - Soliciting contributions for political purposes.

§ 2-19-203. Soliciting contributions for political purposes.

It is unlawful for any public officer or employee knowingly to solicit directly or indirectly any contribution of money, thing of value, facilities or services of any person who has received contracts, compensation, employment, loans, grants or benefits, or any person whose organization, agency or firm has received such benefits financed by public funds, state, federal or local, for political purposes or campaign expense. As used in this subsection (b), unless the context otherwise requires, “contribution” means any advance, conveyance, deposit, distribution, transfer of funds, loan, loan guaranty, payment, gift, or subscription, of money or thing of value, including, but not limited to, use of a facility or provision of personal services, for use on behalf of any candidate for political office, or for any political purpose or campaign expense. It is unlawful knowingly to solicit, accept, or collect, directly or indirectly, any contribution from a public officer or employee if the solicitor or the solicitor's principal is, directly or indirectly, in a supervisory capacity over such officer or employee or is otherwise able to control the retention, promotion, demotion, or terms or conditions of employment of such officer or employee. The provisions of this subsection (b) shall not be construed to prevent voluntary contributions from political action committees and associations of public officers and/or employees. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; 1979, ch. 280, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1938; Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 1, § 5. Compiler's Notes. Acts 2006, ch. 1 (1st Ex. Sess.), § 1 provided that the act is and may be cited as the “Comprehensive Governmental Ethics Reform Act of 2006.” Attorney General Opinions. Prohibitions on state employees running for public office, OAG 98-030 (1/29/98).