The investigation stems from an exchange with Del Shores, who challenged Campfield to a debate on the topic of "Homosexuality and the Bible" after hearing about Campfield's "Don't Say Gay" bill. Campfield declined to debate that topic, but said he would debate the bill instead for a fee of $1000 plus expenses.

Shores says that "asking for a fee to debate a bill you've authored while the Tennessee Senate is in session is an ethics violation." He says the Tennessee Attorney General's office received a complaint about it and contacted him to obtain evidence of the exchange. Shores says he inquired about the investigation on Jan. 29th and the Attorney General's office said it is still ongoing.

Shores is asking anyone interested to sign a petition urging the Attorney General's office to issue an opinion that a violation has occurred so the Tennessee Ethics Commission can proceed with charges against Campfield.