TN HB0622

Prohibits Tennessee state government, county governments, municipal governments, metropolitan governments, local education agencies (LEAs), and public institutions of higher education from basing employment decisions on race, ethnicity, sex, age, or similar demographic characteristics rather than individual merit, qualifications, veteran status, or lawful eligibility criteria

Employment decisions covered include hiring, firing, retention, promotion, demotion, discipline, evaluation, compensation, training, reassignment, and other terms of employment

Governmental entities may request exemptions from the comptroller of the treasury if compliance would result in loss of federal funding related to federally awarded contracts, subcontracts, or postsecondary grants; exemptions must be renewed annually

Prohibits the State Board of Education from adopting policies promoting educator diversity based on demographic characteristics rather than merit; voids any existing conflicting policies

Passed April 22, 2025 and approved by Governor Bill Lee on May 21, 2025, taking effect immediately upon becoming law