NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) — On Friday afternoon, lawmakers and civil rights activists convened to protest a bill aimed at eliminating the Tennessee Human Rights Commission.
HB910/SB861 Sponsored by Rep. Johnny Garrett (R-Goodlettsville) and Sen. John Stevens (R-Huntingdon), this proposal aims to dissolve the 60-year-old commission and reallocate its regulatory powers to a newly established unit directly overseen by Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti.
This legislation would similarly invalidate over 1,000 ongoing discrimination claims, primarily submitted by individuals with disabilities and military veterans, compelling these complainants to initiate their cases anew.
"We recognize these discriminatory practices are already in place, so isn't the purpose of groups like this one to assist in fighting against them? What’s the likelihood that individuals might be forced out of their jobs or even overlooked for employment altogether?" stated the activist.
People against the bill argue that Tennessee residents' civil liberties should be safeguarded by an unbiased entity rather than a politically driven office.
Authoritarian regimes do not begin with armored vehicles patrolling the city—rather, they commence by suppressing autonomous organizations, dismantling public oversight, and amassing authority within the grasp of political insiders. This legislation embodies precisely such actions," stated Senator Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville). "Eliminating the Human Rights Commission isn't merely perilous; it goes against American values.
During the April 9 meeting, the House Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee will address HB910, whereas the corresponding bill in the Senate has been scheduled for consideration by the Senate Government Operations Committee also on April 9.
