TN HB2198

State departments, agencies, and public higher education institutions must submit annual reports by January 31 detailing steps taken to remove DEI from the workplace, along with sworn compliance certifications from agency heads or university presidents under penalty of perjury.

Non-compliant entities face potential termination, reorganization, and loss of funding, with the Attorney General authorized to investigate alleged violations and report findings to the governor and legislature by October 31 annually.

DEI is defined as policies based on 12 specific concepts, including that one race or sex is inherently superior, the U.S. is fundamentally racist/sexist, individuals bear responsibility for past actions of their racial/sex group, meritocracy is racist, or that individuals must affirm gender identity changes.

Applies to all state government units (boards, commissions, committees, departments) and public institutions of higher education governed by the Board of Regents, state university boards, and the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees.

Effective date: July 1, 2026.