Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 1500 - Human Rights Commission
Here’s a detailed breakdown of Title 1500 – Human Rights Commission under the Tennessee Rules & Regulations:
📘 Chapter 1500‑01‑01: General Provisions
Establishes the foundational framework for THRC operations, including:
Purpose & Scope: Defines the uniform system for handling complaints of discrimination under state and federal laws (e.g. Civil Rights Act Title VI)
Filing & Records Retention: Employers, housing providers, financial institutions, etc., must preserve records (e.g., personnel, housing) for at least 6 months, or until complaints are resolved
Rulemaking & Construction: Rules are to be liberally construed to enforce justice; amendments require at least 10 days' notice to Commissioners unless two‑thirds consent (law.cornell.edu).
Incorporation of Federal Guidelines: THRC adopts EEOC’s guidelines (e.g. 29 CFR Part 1605 on religious discrimination) (tn.gov).
🏛️ Chapter 1500‑01‑02: Employment, Public Accommodation & Housing Complaints
Outlines procedures for handling discrimination complaints:
Practice & Procedure: Defines terms (e.g., “complainant,” “discriminatory practice”), filing process, complaint amendment, substitution of parties, and reasonable-cause determinations (tn.gov).
Investigation & Conciliation: Commission investigators can request access to relevant evidence; if a respondent fails to comply, THRC may seek a court order or issue a reasonable-cause finding (tn.gov).
Commission Hearings & Orders: Litigation process includes hearings, appeals, and orders by THRC; both the Commission and parties may appeal adverse decisions under T.C.A. § 4‑21‑307 (tn.gov).
Guidelines for Advertisements: Prohibits discriminatory job ads. Any religious, gender, national-origin preference must be bona fide occupational qualifications, defined narrowly (tn.gov).
🌐 Chapter 1500‑01‑03: Title VI Compliance Program
Governs nondiscrimination in federally funded state programs:
Coverage: Applies to state agencies receiving federal funds to prevent race, color, or national-origin discrimination (publications.tnsosfiles.com).
Complaints & Investigations: Complaints must be filed within 180 days; THRC conducts prompt investigations, coordinating with responsible officials (regulations.justia.com).
Resolution & Non‑Compliance: Informal resolutions preferred; THRC can escalate referrals to the governor or legislature. Intimidation/retaliation against complainants is prohibited, and identities remain confidential (regulations.justia.com).
Assurances & Monitoring: Agencies must include nondiscrimination assurances in funding agreements and conduct annual compliance reviews and training (tn.gov).
📊 Summary Table
| Chapter | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1500‑01‑01 | Establishes foundational rules, recordkeeping, rulemaking scope |
| 1500‑01‑02 | Procedures for employment, housing, public-accommodation complaints |
| 1500‑01‑03 | Title VI compliance for federally funded state programs |
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