TN HB2213

Prohibits employers from discharging, terminating, demoting, or reporting the immigration status of employees who report unsafe working conditions, wage theft, or other labor violations

Maintains existing protection against termination for employees who refuse to participate in or remain silent about illegal activities

Allows aggrieved employees to sue for reinstatement, back-pay, and punitive damages (if willful, malicious, or reckless conduct is proven), with mandatory court costs and attorney fees for prevailing plaintiffs

Establishes burden-shifting framework: plaintiff must first establish prima facie case of retaliation, then employer must produce legitimate non-discriminatory reasons, then plaintiff must prove those reasons were pretextual

Takes effect July 1, 2026, applying to causes of action arising on or after that date