By: Abbey Mullins

 

On May 12th, 2025, Governor Bill Lee signed HB0910/SB0861 into law, officially dissolving Tennessee’s Human Rights Commission.  

 

What was the Tennessee Human Rights Commission?

• • The Commission has been in operation since 1963, and has been responsible for investigating claims of discrimination and enforcing Tennessee’s anti-discrimination laws: the Tennessee Human Rights Act and the Tennessee Disability Act. These laws prohibit discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and age. 

• • The Commission also ensured the State of Tennessee’s compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits State agencies receiving federal funding from discriminating on the basis of race, color, and national origin. 

• • The Commission has historically prided itself on being a non-partisan agency committed to protecting Tennesseans from discrimination. 

 

What Happens Now?

• • The Tennessee Civil Rights Act, Tennessee Disability Act, and Title VI remain intact. However, enforcement of these laws is being transferred to different agencies. The Division of Civil Rights Enforcement, which is a newly created department within the Office of the Attorney General, will enforce the Tennessee Civil Rights Act and the Tennessee Disability Act. Enforcement of Title VI will be transferred to the Tennessee Department of Human Resources. 

• • The Commission will officially close its doors on June 30th and the new agencies will take over its operations on July 1st. 

• • After June 30th, all claims pending with the Commission will be dismissed. It is estimated that this will affect up to 1,000 Tennessee residents with unresolved claims. Individuals with pending claims will be able to re-file beginning July 1st. If you currently have a claim pending, it is important that you follow these developments closely moving forward, as it is unclear how long individuals will have to re-file their claims. 

• • If you have a claim pending and wish to re-file, you can contact the AG on or after July 1st, either by email at CRED@ag.tn.gov, by phone at (615) 741-3491, or by mail at P.O. Box 20207, Nashville TN 37202.

 

In discussing the future of civil rights in Tennessee, the Commission’s Executive Director Muriel Nolen stated, “Although the Commission will cease to exist, the THRA and the TDA still stand, and Tennesseans are still legally entitled to their civil rights. We are hopeful that the AG’s Office will continue our work and uphold the civil rights and responsibilities for all Tennesseans.”