The Department of Labor and Workforce Development simplified the sections, “What should an Employer do when an injury is reported?" A new Tennessee and Federal Contractor All–In-One poster is required.

The Tennessee Lawful Employment Law Act (E-Verify Act) was recently amended in an effort to minimize the compliance burden on small businesses and strengthen the authority of the Tennessee Department of Labor (TDOL) to pursue violators.  Effective January 1, 2017, private employers with at least 50 employees are required to enroll in the E-Verify program and use the system to verify employment eligibility for newly hired workers.  In addition, the amendment authorizes the TDOL to pursue employers that knowingly violate the E-Verify Act.

Tennessee has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 2520) that protects pregnant workers. Senate Bill 2520 takes effect October 1, 2020.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has signed House Bill 785, which protects employers from negligent hiring lawsuits under certain circumstances. House Bill 785 is effective immediately.

Tennessee issued an emergency rule that set forth quarantine procedures related to COVID-19. The rule is effective from Dec.  22, 2021 to June 20, 2022.

Update Jan. 6, 2022: Tennessee has released new guidance that lowers the period of isolation to five days in certain circumstances, while continuing to require masking. 

Tennessee has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 1823) that requires employers that mandate COVID-19 vaccinations to allow certain exemptions. Senate Bill 1823 is effective immediately.