Bill > SB0226

This bill, titled the "Professionals' Freedom of Religion Act," amends Tennessee law to protect individuals' religious and moral beliefs in professional contexts. It makes it unlawful for a "governmental entity" (defined as a state agency, department, board, or commission that issues licenses) to deny, revoke, suspend, or take other negative actions against a professional license because an individual refuses to affirm something contrary to their sincerely held religious beliefs, expresses those beliefs in a professional setting as long as the standard of care is met, or provides faith-based services that meet the professional standard. The bill also prohibits adverse actions against licensees or applicants based on their beliefs or the lawful expression of those beliefs, as protected by the U.S. and Tennessee Constitutions. Furthermore, it specifically addresses real estate professionals, making it unlawful for any person to deny access to or participation in a "multiple-listing service" (MLS) or a real estate brokers' organization based on an individual's religious or moral beliefs or their lawful expression of those beliefs in non-professional settings. The bill also prevents real estate organizations from requiring membership for full MLS use and mandates that non-members pay the same MLS participation fees as members. Individuals harmed by violations of this act can pursue legal action, seeking damages, attorney's fees, and other necessary remedies.

Business and Industry

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0226&ga=114