House advances hiring bill after heated debate over diversity, equity and inclusion language

House Bill 622, a bill dealing with hiring by governmental entities, passed the Tennessee House after lengthy debate and a contested amendment process that produced strong floor statements on both sides of the chamber.

Representative Ron Mayberry, the bill sponsor, asked for passage of House Bill 622 on third and final consideration. The bill drew extended floor debate and a series of amendments. Representative Gloria Johnson offered Amendment 4, which she described forcefully as naming the legislation the “White Fragility Act” in order to draw attention to the bill’s consequences. Johnson argued the bill’s restrictions would harm veterans, people with disabilities and other protected groups and said the measure as drafted would cause “confusion at the federal level” and…