Senate Bill 2208, also known as the "DEI Compliance Certification Act," aims to enforce compliance with existing state laws that prohibit the adoption, implementation, or enforcement of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies within state departments, agencies, and public institutions of higher education. The bill mandates that these entities demonstrate compliance with specific sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated (4-1-427 and 8-30-109 for state departments and 49-7-192 and 49-7-193 for higher education institutions). Failure to comply may result in penalties such as termination, reorganization, loss of funding, and other enforcement measures available to the governor and the general assembly.

The bill outlines reporting requirements, which include annual submissions to the governor and general assembly detailing steps taken to eliminate DEI from the workplace and certifying compliance with the relevant laws. Additionally, the attorney general is authorized to investigate allegations of non-compliance and must report findings annually. The act emphasizes the belief that DEI undermines fairness and efficiency in state institutions and establishes a framework for accountability and enforcement against DEI practices. The provisions of the act are severable, and it is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.