Bill > HB0910

This bill transfers responsibility for human rights enforcement from the Tennessee Human Rights Commission to the Attorney General's office, effectively dissolving the commission by July 1, 2025. The bill comprehensively restructures Tennessee's human rights legal framework by creating a new Civil Rights Enforcement Division within the Attorney General's office that will handle discrimination complaints, investigations, and enforcement across various domains including employment, housing, public accommodations, and education. The new division will have similar powers to the current commission, including the ability to investigate complaints, seek conciliation, bring civil actions, and impose penalties for discriminatory practices. Key changes include centralizing human rights enforcement under the Attorney General, establishing new procedures for filing and handling discrimination complaints, and updating definitions and protections related to discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and other protected characteristics. The bill also requires state agencies to develop Title VI implementation plans and provides mechanisms for individuals to file complaints about discriminatory practices. The transition is designed to occur gradually, with pending cases and existing orders to be managed through specific provisions that ensure continuity of civil rights protections during the transfer of responsibilities.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0910&ga=114