Bill > HB0472

This bill amends Tennessee law to prohibit discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the composition and membership of state regulatory and health-related boards. Specifically, the bill prevents boards from excluding individuals from membership or discriminating against members based on these characteristics, and bars boards from implementing race-based policies such as affirmative action, racial preferences, or racial quotas. The legislation establishes a private cause of action, allowing individuals to sue boards, officers, employees, or agents who violate these provisions. If a lawsuit is successful, plaintiffs may recover actual or compensatory damages, and potentially punitive damages if intentional discrimination is proven. The bill also mandates a minimum statutory damage award of $4,000 for violations, regardless of actual damages sustained. Importantly, the bill allows plaintiffs to seek injunctive and declaratory relief, and explicitly waives state sovereign immunity in such actions. The new provisions apply to boards under Title 62 (which covers various professional and business regulations) and Title 63 (which relates to health-related professions and practices), and will take effect immediately upon becoming law.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0472&ga=114