Senate Bill 468, known as the "Women's Safety and Protection Act," aims to enhance protections for women and girls against sexual assault, harassment, and violence in various settings, including correctional facilities, domestic violence shelters, and public schools. The bill introduces a new chapter in the Tennessee Code Annotated, which clarifies definitions related to sex, male, female, and related terms, emphasizing biologically based definitions. It mandates that facilities designate restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters exclusively for males or females, ensuring privacy and safety for individuals based on their biological sex.

The bill also establishes a standard of review for laws that distinguish between the sexes, requiring them to meet intermediate scrutiny to ensure they serve an important governmental interest. It provides individuals with a cause of action for violations of the chapter, allowing them to seek remedies such as injunctive relief and damages. Additionally, it includes provisions for the protection of individuals who assert their rights under this chapter and outlines the conditions under which individuals may enter facilities designated for the opposite sex. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.