SB1235

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 21; Title 9; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to state entities.

Complete·4/28/25

Tennessee SB1235 removes racial diversity requirements for state boards and prohibits race-based policies.

Tennessee SB1235 amends various sections of the Tennessee Code to remove requirements for racial diversity among board members and prohibit race-based policies for state entities. The bill deletes language mandating that at least one board member be from a racial minority and bans policies like affirmative action or racial quotas. It also prohibits using race or ethnicity in board membership decisions. The bill establishes a private cause of action for violations, allowing plaintiffs to seek damages and injunctive relief. The state waives sovereign immunity for such actions.

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

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Sponsors

0
5
RRRRR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 7, Nays 2 PNV 0

7 Yea

RRRRRRR

2 Nay

DD

Calendar

Mar 17, 2025

12:00 PM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

Mar 11, 2025

3:00 PM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

History

Apr 28, 2025

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 294

Mar 31, 2025

Senate

Companion House Bill substituted

Mar 31, 2025

Senate

Sponsor(s) Added.