Bill > HB1237

This bill proposes significant changes to Tennessee's state board composition laws by prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin in state regulatory and health-related boards. Specifically, the bill establishes that no person can be excluded from board membership or subjected to discrimination based on these characteristics, and boards are forbidden from establishing race-based policies such as racial quotas or preferences. The legislation creates a private cause of action against any board that violates these provisions, meaning individuals can sue boards that do not comply. Simultaneously, the bill removes numerous existing provisions in Tennessee Code that previously required boards to include at least one racial minority member, effectively eliminating mandated racial representation requirements across multiple state agencies and commissions. These changes appear to be part of a broader effort to create a race-neutral approach to board appointments, with the bill applying to a wide range of state entities including professional licensing boards, health-related councils, and various regulatory commissions. The bill would take effect immediately upon becoming law, signaling an urgent desire to implement these changes.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1237&ga=114