NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, on Tuesday passed legislation to further protect children from adult-oriented entertainment in Tennessee.
House Bill 884 expands the definition of adult cabaret to include single or multiple performances by adult entertainers, helping ensure children are protected from sexually explicit entertainment even at businesses that aren’t considered adult-oriented establishments.
“The Volunteer State leads the nation in passing common-sense policies to protect children from dangerous left-wing social policies,” Todd said. “This legislation is a key step in ensuring minors are not exposed to sexually explicit entertainment, whether it be at an adult bookstore or a local civic center. I’m proud to stand for Tennessee families and values, and I thank my Republican colleagues for passionately advocating for the most vulnerable in our society.”
Current Tennessee law prohibits establishments that focus on selling or providing adult-oriented materials or entertainment from being located within 1,000 feet of a child care facility, public park, family recreation center, home, church or school. House Bill 884 clarifies that any establishment that hosts an adult cabaret show is required to abide by the 1,000-foot rule.
In 2023, Todd championed the Tennessee Adult Entertainment Act, which prohibits sexually explicit performances from taking place in public spaces or anywhere minors may be present. It requires private establishments like bars or restaurants hosting sexually explicit shows to verify the age of all patrons by requiring valid identification upon entry.
Last year, the United States Supreme Court upheld this law when it declined to hear Friends of George’s v. Mulroy, allowing the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruling to stand and affirming the law’s constitutionality. The law reinforces Tennessee’s stance on parental rights and community standards while maintaining that adult entertainment should remain in age-appropriate venues.
The companion version of House Bill 884 is still advancing through the Senate. If passed and signed into law, it will take effect on May 1, 2026.
State Rep. Chris Todd represents House District 73, which includes most of Madison County.
