House Bill 2213, also known as the "Anti-Retaliation for Reporting Unsafe Work Act," amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 50-1-304, to enhance protections for employees against employer retaliation. The bill prohibits employers from discharging, terminating, demoting, or threatening employees primarily for reporting unsafe working conditions, wage theft, or other labor violations. It also clarifies that while employers are restricted from retaliating against employees for such reports, they are still allowed to take action if required by law or in good faith to comply with federal immigration requirements.

Additionally, the bill establishes a cause of action for employees who experience retaliatory discharge or conduct, allowing them to seek reinstatement, back-pay, and punitive damages if the employer's actions are found to be willful, malicious, or reckless. The burden of proof in these cases is outlined, requiring the plaintiff to establish a prima facie case of retaliation, after which the burden shifts to the employer to provide legitimate reasons for their actions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to causes of action arising on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 50-1-304