Tennessee Code Annotated
Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-1003 (2026)
Immunity from SLAPP suits - Exceptions - Costs
✓ current as of May 2026
- (a) Any person who in furtherance of such person's right of free speech or petition under the Tennessee or United States Constitution in connection with a public or governmental issue communicates information regarding another person or entity to any agency of the federal, state or local government regarding a matter of concern to that agency shall be immune from civil liability on claims based upon the communication to the agency.
- (b) The immunity conferred by this section shall not attach if the person communicating such information:
- (1) Knew the information to be false;
- (2) Communicated information in reckless disregard of its falsity; or
- (3) Acted negligently in failing to ascertain the falsity of the information if such information pertains to a person or entity other than a public figure.
- (c) A person prevailing upon the defense of immunity provided for in this section shall be entitled to recover costs and reasonable attorneys' fees incurred in establishing the defense.
Acts 1997, ch. 403, § 3.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 8
cases (1 in the last 5 years), 2004–2026 · leading case: Maietta Constr., Inc. v. Wainwright, 2004 ME 53 (Me. 2004).
Maietta Constr., Inc. v. Wainwright, 2004 ME 53 (Me. 2004). “); Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-1003 (c) (LEXIS through 2003 sess.”
Warren Whisenhunt v. Matthew Lippincott & Creg Parks, 416 S.W.3d 689 (Tex. App. 2013). “Gen Laws §§ 9-33-1, 9-33-4; Tenn.Code Ann § 4-21-1003; Utah Code Ann.”
Deja Vu Of Nashville v. Metro. Gov't, 360 F. Supp. 3d 714 (M.D. Tenn. 2019). “…and does not reach the witness immunity issue, Schipani is not entitled to attorneys' fees under Tennessee Code Ann. § 4-21-1003(c).”
Clear Water Partners, LLC v. Charles e. Benson (Tenn. Ct. App. 2017). “The trial court also awarded the defendants their attorneys‟ fees pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-1003 (c). The plaintiff appealed, and we find the plaintiff properly stated a claim for tortious interference with business relationships and civil conspiracy; the plaintiff did…”
Secure Air Charter, LLC v. Michael John Barrett, Jr. (Tenn. Ct. App. 2026). “” Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-1003 (a); see Tenn.”
Timmy Sykes v. Chattanooga Hous. Auth. (Tenn. Ct. App. 2009). “In support of his motion for summary judgment, Chief Hazelwood relies upon the defense of statutory immunity as set forth in Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-1003 (2005). That statute, in its entirety, provides as follows: (a) Any person who in furtherance of such person’s right of free…”
Deja Vu of Nashville, Inc. v. Metro. Gov't of Nashville (6th Cir. 2020). “Plaintiffs appeal the dismissal of the § 1985 claims, and Schipani filed a cross-appeal based on immunity under Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-1003 , which allows for the recovery of costs and attorney’s fees.”
Raymond Bertuccelli v. Carl Mark Haehner (2018). “” Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-1003 (a). By order dated February 28, 2017, the trial court granted Appellees’ motion for partial summary judgment concerning the above referenced nuisance claim.”
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-1003(a) — 1 case
Secure Air Charter, LLC v. Michael John Barrett, Jr. (Tenn. Ct. App. 2026). “” Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-1003 (a); see Tenn.”
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-1003(c) — 1 case
Deja Vu Of Nashville v. Metro. Gov't, 360 F. Supp. 3d 714 (M.D. Tenn. 2019). “…and does not reach the witness immunity issue, Schipani is not entitled to attorneys' fees under Tennessee Code Ann. § 4-21-1003(c).”
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