Several U.S. news media companies, including Gray Media, Gannett, Nexstar Media Group, and TEGNA, have filed a lawsuit against Tennessee over a new law effective July 1, 2025. The law makes it a misdemeanor to come within 25 feet of a law enforcement officer performing official duties, such as traffic stops or investigations.

The lawsuit argues the law’s vague wording grants officers excessive discretion, hindering journalists’ ability to report on police activities. It claims the law violates press freedoms by restricting documentation of newsworthy events, including routine public activities like rallies or UT football games.

The plaintiffs, targeting state officials like Safety Commissioner Jeff Long and Nashville’s police chief and district attorney, seek to have the law declared unconstitutional and unenforceable.