TN HB0923

State government agencies, county governments, municipal governments, metropolitan governments, and public institutions of higher education are prohibited from using "discriminatory preferences" to increase diversity, equity, or inclusion or from establishing/maintaining DEI offices or departments

"Discriminatory preference" is defined as policies granting or withholding benefits based on race, ethnicity, sex, age, or other demographic characteristics rather than individual merit, qualifications, veteran status, or lawful eligibility criteria

Exemptions may be granted by the comptroller of the treasury if compliance would result in loss of federal funding, with exemptions requiring annual renewal and 14-day notification if circumstances change

Public health programs using demographic-based outreach for medically substantiated reasons and neutral outreach programs ensuring equal access without quotas or preferential treatment are excluded from the prohibitions

The act deletes numerous existing statutory provisions requiring demographic diversity considerations in appointments to various state boards and commissions, passed April 22, 2025 and signed by Governor Bill Lee on May 9, 2025