Tennessee senators have watered down and passed legislation that critics still deem discriminatory.
The Senate amended and approved Republican Senator Mark Green's bill Thursday restricting state and local government action against businesses because of their health insurance, family leave, minimum wage or anti-discrimination policies, if they are in line with state law.
The bill originally applied to all internal company policies. Tennessee Equality Project has raised concerns it would allow discriminatory or substandard benefit policies at taxpayer expense.
Democratic Senator Jeff Yarbro said Thursday the bill would make state and local tax credits vulnerable to lawsuits. Green, a gubernatorial candidate, says the bill standardizes the law. It heads to the House.
