On May 12, 2025, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed into law House Bill 910/Senate Bill 860 which will dissolve the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC), the state agency responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws and promoting equal opportunity in Tennessee, on Monday, June 30, 2025. The THRC was established in 1963 as a nonpartisan and independent agency responsible for enforcing civil rights laws in employment, housing and public accommodation as well as discrimination claims against the state of Tennessee. The lawmakers who supported the measure argue that this change of authority will reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies and make investigating discrimination complaints more efficient.
On July 1, 2025, the enforcement of the Tennessee Human Rights Act and the Tennessee Disability Act will transfer to a newly created Division of Civil Rights Enforcement within the Office of the Attorney General (AG) and Reporter. During this transition period, the THRC will transfer all new inquiries of alleged discrimination to the AG’s Office. The AG will assume full authority in receiving inquiries on July 1, 2025. Any current complaint that is pending before the THRC will be dismissed on June 30, 2025. Individuals who have their complaints dismissed will need to re-file their complaints with the Division of Civil Rights Enforcement within 90 days of July 1, 2025.
[View source.]
