HB0377

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 7, relative to institutions of higher education.

Complete·4/29/25

Prohibits Tennessee higher education institutions from using race, color, or ethnicity in admissions or financial aid decisions.

This bill amends Tennessee Code to prohibit four-year public and private higher education institutions from using race, color, or ethnicity in admissions or financial aid decisions. It also prohibits the use of such data by admissions or financial aid officers before decisions are made. The bill establishes a private cause of action for violations, allowing plaintiffs to seek actual or compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, and declaratory relief. The state waives sovereign immunity for actions brought under this section.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Sponsors

0
10
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Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

15 Yea

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4 Nay

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Calendar

Apr 1, 2025

12:00 PM

House Education Committee Hearing

Mar 25, 2025

12:00 PM

House Education Committee Hearing

History

Apr 29, 2025

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 245

Apr 10, 2025

House

Sponsor(s) Added.

Apr 10, 2025

House

Comp. SB subst.