Local Government, General - As enacted, enacts "Dismantle DEI in Employment Act." - Amends TCA Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8 and Title 49.

SB 1083, the "Dismantle DEI Act," prohibits Tennessee local governments (counties, cities, metropolitan areas) and public universities from considering race, gender, religion, age, disability, or national origin in hiring decisions. It bans using these protected characteristics as metrics for employment and also forbids hiring specifically to meet diversity, equity, or inclusion goals. The law requires hiring to be based solely on merit, directly affecting all public sector employers covered under the amended Tennessee Code (Titles 5, 6, 7, 8, and 49). This is a concrete policy change restricting how public entities evaluate job candidates.