Bill > SB1235

This bill aims to eliminate race-based requirements and preferences in the composition of Tennessee state regulatory and health-related boards. Specifically, the bill prohibits excluding or discriminating against individuals on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, or national origin when appointing or serving on state boards. It explicitly bars boards from establishing or operating under race-based policies, including affirmative action, racial preferences, or racial quotas. The legislation removes existing provisions that previously required at least one board member to be a racial minority across numerous Tennessee Code sections, effectively ending mandatory racial representation requirements. The bill creates a private cause of action, meaning individuals can sue a board that violates these new anti-discrimination provisions. These changes apply to numerous state boards and commissions across multiple titles of Tennessee law, spanning areas such as professional licensing, health, and state regulatory bodies. The bill represents a significant shift away from race-conscious board composition policies, emphasizing a colorblind approach to board membership.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1235&ga=114