Bill > SB0937

This bill establishes protections for freedom of speech regarding name and pronoun usage in Tennessee's public schools, higher education institutions, and state agencies. Specifically, the legislation ensures that students, teachers, employees, and contractors are not required to use an individual's preferred name or pronoun if it differs from their legal name or biological sex, and protects these individuals from being disciplined or facing civil liability for using legal names or sex-consistent pronouns. For K-12 public schools, the bill mandates that teachers cannot use an unemancipated minor's preferred name or pronoun without first obtaining written parental consent, and for higher education and state agencies, it prohibits requiring individuals to disclose or use preferred pronouns. The bill provides a mechanism for filing complaints and potential legal action if these provisions are violated, allowing individuals or their parents to seek remedies including monetary damages and attorney's fees. The legislation frames these provisions as protecting constitutional rights to free speech and preventing compelled speech, arguing that no one should be forced to affirm a belief with which they disagree. The bill applies across various public educational and governmental settings, creating uniform standards for name and pronoun usage that prioritize legal names and biological sex.

Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0937&ga=114