Tennessee House Bill HB2077

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/26
• Refer: 2/4/26
• Refer: 2/10/26
• Refer: 2/18/26
• Refer: 3/9/26
• Chaptered: 4/6/26
• Passed: 4/6/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 21, relative to the attorney general and reporter.

Summary

HB2077 amends Tennessee law governing the attorney general and reporter’s handling of civil rights and anti-discrimination investigations under Title 4, Chapter 21. The bill transfers references from the former commission to the attorney general, repeals rules that were transferred from the commission to the attorney general under another code section, and updates confidentiality and disclosure provisions for complaints, documentary material, interrogatory answers, and testimony obtained during investigations. The bill also clarifies when investigative materials may be shared. In general, complaints and materials obtained by the attorney general remain confidential unless a court orders otherwise for good cause, but certain documentary material may be provided to the complainant, respondent, their attorneys, or state or federal law enforcement agencies enforcing anti-discrimination laws. It further authorizes the attorney general to use copied materials as needed in enforcement actions and treats certain voluntarily provided materials as if obtained through formal investigative demand when they come from other attorneys general or relevant sources. The bill removes language requiring conciliation agreements to remain private absent agreement of the parties and a disclosure determination by the attorney general.

Impact

The bill primarily affects Tennessee Code Annotated Title 4, Chapter 21 by shifting administrative and enforcement references from the commission to the attorney general and reporter, repealing transferred rules, and revising confidentiality rules for civil rights investigation records. It changes who controls disclosure of investigative materials, expands limited access to some parties and law enforcement, and strengthens the attorney general’s ability to use and present investigative information in enforcement proceedings.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests the bill moved through the House with generally favorable support, including unanimous or near-unanimous committee recommendations in earlier stages and a 18-4 vote in the House State & Local Government Committee. The bill ultimately advanced to the calendar and was enacted as Public Chapter No. 662, indicating broad institutional support despite some opposition in committee. No committee transcripts were provided, so the record does not show detailed floor or committee debate.

Contention

The main points of contention appear to have centered on confidentiality and disclosure of sensitive complaint and investigative materials, especially the extent to which the attorney general may share information with complainants, respondents, attorneys, or law enforcement, and the removal of prior language limiting public disclosure of conciliation agreements. The 18-4 committee vote indicates some members had reservations, likely related to privacy, due process, or the scope of the attorney general’s authority, while supporters appear to have favored consolidating enforcement authority and clarifying investigative procedures.