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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
A bill which would require state agencies and departments to show proof of compliance with laws regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is scheduled to be heard by the House Departments & Agencies Subcommittee on Tuesday, March 10.
HB2198, sponsored by House Representative Jason Zachary (R-Knoxville-D14), enacts the “DEI Compliance Certification Act.”
The Act requires all state agencies and departments “to demonstrate its compliance with state laws or policies prohibiting the adoption, implementation, or enforcement of DEI.”
Under the legislation, agencies and departments must submit a report and sworn statement to the governor and general assembly by January 31 of each year detailing any steps taken to remove DEI measures and any complaints filed that were related to violations of those state laws.
Any department or agency that fails to show compliance “risks termination, reorganization, and a loss of funding, and is subject to any other penalty, remedy, or enforcement measure available to the governor or general assembly.”
The Senate companion, SB2208, has been referred to the Senate State and Local Government Committee, but does not yet have a hearing date.
To contact members of the House Departments & Agencies Subcommittee with your thoughts on this bill before the meeting on Tuesday, use the below information:
House Departments & Agencies Subcommittee– HB2198 to be heard on March 10
HB2198 requires state agencies to show proof of compliance with anti-DEI laws.
Rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov; rep.michele.carringer@capitol.tn.gov; rep.jesse.chism@capitol.tn.gov; rep.john.crawford@capitol.tn.gov; rep.michael.lankford@capitol.gov; rep.greg.martin@capitol.tn.gov; rep.larry.miller@capitol.tn.gov; rep.dennis.powers@capitol.tn.gov
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
