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SB 861

Human Rights - As enacted, schedules the Tennessee human rights commission for termination on July 1, 2025, and transfers the commission's duties concerning discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, malicious harassment, the Civil Rights Act of 1990, the "Tennessee Anti-Slapp Act," and education to the attorney general and reporter. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 8 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee abolishes its independent Human Rights Commission by July 2025, transferring civil rights discrimination enforcement duties to the Attorney General's office.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 471
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Bill Summary · SB 861

Legislative bill overview

SB 861 eliminates the Tennessee Human Rights Commission effective July 1, 2025, and transfers its enforcement responsibilities for discrimination cases in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and related civil rights matters to the Tennessee Attorney General's office. The bill consolidates multiple anti-discrimination functions under one executive branch agency rather than maintaining a dedicated independent commission.

Why is this important

The change affects how Tennesseans file and resolve discrimination complaints, potentially altering response times, investigation procedures, and enforcement priorities. This structural shift moves civil rights enforcement from a specialized, independent body to a general law enforcement office with broader responsibilities, which could impact the visibility and prioritization of discrimination cases within state government.

Potential points of contention

  • Consolidation concerns: Critics may argue that merging discrimination enforcement into the Attorney General's office dilutes focus on civil rights issues and reduces dedicated expertise, while supporters contend it increases efficiency by eliminating bureaucratic duplication.
  • Independence and impartiality: An independent commission may be perceived as more neutral than an office under direct control of an elected Attorney General, raising questions about political influence on discrimination enforcement.
  • Resource allocation: Transferring duties without clarity on dedicated staffing and budget may result in reduced capacity to handle complaints, potentially creating backlogs or longer resolution timelines for discrimination cases.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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