SB 305 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Human Rights - As introduced, prohibits an organization or entity receiving financial assistance from this state for programs or activities from denying benefits to, excluding from participation in, or discriminating against a person otherwise eligible for the program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin. - Amends TCA Title 4.

SB 305 prohibits organizations receiving state financial assistance for programs or activities from denying benefits, excluding participants, or discriminating against eligible individuals based on race, color, religion, or national origin. This law directly affects state-funded programs, such as those providing social services, housing, or community support. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, to establish this non-discrimination requirement as a legal standard. It applies to all entities receiving state funds, ensuring equal access to services for all eligible residents. The bill passed the Tennessee Senate unanimously on March 17, 2025, but remains pending in the House.
Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Mar 2025
House Passage
Mar 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 10, 2025 Last action Mar 20, 2025
Floor votes · Senate Mar 17, 2025

How they voted

350
Passed
Total votes 35
Mar 17, 2025
D Democratic6
6 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican29
29 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
11
Key actions
4
Committee
3
Mar 17, 2025
Lower · Passed
Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0115)
lower
Mar 17, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 30, Nays 0
upper
Mar 11, 2025
Upper · Passed
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 8, Nays 0 PNV 1
upper
Mar 4, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate State and Local Government Committee calendar for 3/11/2025
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate State and Local Government Committee
upper
Feb 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Richard Briggs
Richard Briggs
RRepublican
TN
7