Tennessee ‘Business License to Discriminate’ Bill (HB 563)

HB 563 would prohibit state and local governments from taking discriminatory action against a business based on the policies of the business entity regarding the following, if the policies are in compliance with state and federal statutes, rules, and regulations:

• Health insurance policies and coverage;
• Family leave policies;
• Minimum wage policies; or
• Anti-discrimination policies.

The bill defines “local governments” to include cities, towns, municipalities, counties, metropolitan governments, local education agencies (LEAs), development districts, utility districts, human resource agencies, and other political subdivisions of Tennessee.

If passed, cities and state agencies would be prohibited from implementing policies in order to penalize businesses and organizations for discriminating against LGBTQ people in their employment policies.

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Related Legislation

Companion bill to SB 364.

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Latest Action

2/4/19 – Introduced.

3/21/19 – Amendment adopted: Adds that the bill would not limit the authority of the department of economic and community development to award FastTrack grants.

3/21/19 – Passed the House by a 68-22 vote.

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People