Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 1500 - Human Rights Commission
The Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee, Title 1500 - Human Rights Commission primarily govern the procedures and operations of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) in its role of investigating and resolving complaints of discrimination.
Here's a breakdown of the key chapters and what they generally cover:
Chapter 1500-01-01 - General Provisions: This chapter outlines foundational aspects such as definitions of terms used throughout the rules (e.g., "Commission," "Complainant," "Respondent," "Handicap," "Public Accommodation"), the purpose of the rules, and general administrative procedures of the Commission. It also covers aspects like confidentiality of files and the authority of the Executive Director.
Chapter 1500-01-02 - Employment, Public Accommodation and Housing Complaints: This is a crucial chapter detailing the process for filing and handling discrimination complaints related to employment, public accommodations, and housing. It typically covers:
Who can file a complaint: Individuals claiming to be aggrieved by discriminatory practices.
Complaint form and contents: Requirements for written, verified complaints, including information about the complainant, respondent, and the alleged discriminatory acts.
Time of filing: The deadline for filing a complaint (generally 180 days after the alleged discriminatory practice).
Notice to Respondent: How the respondent is informed of the complaint and their rights (e.g., right to respond, right to legal representation).
Investigation and Conciliation: Procedures for investigating complaints, gathering evidence, and attempting to reach a conciliation agreement between the parties.
No Probable Cause Findings: The process for appealing a finding of no probable cause.
Commission Hearings: Procedures for conducting formal hearings if conciliation is unsuccessful.
Chapter 1500-01-03 - Title VI Compliance Program: This chapter focuses on the THRC's role in ensuring compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin by state agencies that receive federal financial assistance.
Key Points to Note:
Purpose: The overarching purpose of these rules is to establish a uniform system for administering and handling discrimination complaints, providing guidelines for the Commission, its staff, and parties involved in complaints (employers, housing providers, etc.).
Discrimination Prohibited: The Tennessee Human Rights Act (THRA) and the Tennessee Disability Act (TDA), enforced by the THRC (or its successor as noted below), prohibit discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodation based on protected characteristics like race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and age (40 and over).
Important Change (as of July 1, 2025): It's critical to be aware that the Tennessee Human Rights Commission is scheduled to dissolve on June 30, 2025. As of July 1, 2025:
The Office of the Attorney General's Civil Rights Enforcement Division will be responsible for enforcing the Tennessee Human Rights Act.
The Tennessee Department of Human Resources will be responsible for enforcing Title VI.
Therefore, while Title 1500 currently outlines the rules for the THRC, as of July 1, 2025, these duties and responsibilities will be transferred to different state agencies. Individuals seeking to file complaints of discrimination after this date should refer to the websites of the Office of the Attorney General's Civil Rights Enforcement Division and the Tennessee Department of Human Resources for current procedures.
You can typically find the full text of these rules and regulations on official Tennessee state government websites, such as the Secretary of State's publications or the Tennessee Human Rights Commission's (or its successor agency's) website.
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