(The Center Square) – A 62-year-old Tennessee agency will no longer exist as of July 1.
Gov. Bill Lee signed a bill that abolishes the Human Rights Commission and transfers its duties to the attorney general.
The commission was established in 1963 at the height of the Civil Rights Movement to “encourage, promote and advise the public of their human rights” and was given enforcement powers in 1978.
The change is not expected to have a financial impact on the state as the attorney general can use existing resources, according to the bill’s fiscal note. The fate of the agency’s employees is also up to the attorney general, as he will receive the funding for the positions.
“It has been my honor to serve as Executive Director [for the THRC]. Day in and day out, I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside our 32 staff members to ensure that people who experience discrimination have access to viable means for justice,” said Executive Director Muriel Nolen in a statement thanking the commissioners and staff. “Together, we have carried on the legacy of civil rights in this great state and we’ve done our best to ensure that each Tennessean has an equal opportunity to pursue employment and has fair access to housing.”
Support for the bill was split along party lines with Democrats expressing concerns about the 1,000 cases that would have to be resubmitted to the attorney general’s office. Republicans said a letter from the attorney general would put more teeth into civil rights investigations.
“I think if someone receives a letter or action that the attorney general is investigating their actions, I think that’s going to perk up some people,” Rep. Johnny Garrett, R-Goodlettsville, said at a House Government Operations Committee meeting during the session. “I think that’s going to make some people hopefully say, ‘What have I done to attract the attorney general of the state of Tennessee who has the authority to investigate claims that I might have been involved in?'”
The agency is planning its last meeting for May 23 and its final day is June 30.
“Although the commission will cease to exist, the THRA and the TDA still stand, and Tennesseans are still legally entitled to their civil rights,” Nolen said. “We are hopeful that the AG’s Office will continue our work and uphold the civil rights and responsibilities for all Tennesseans.”
