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Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee backs bill that bars local governments from favoring companies based on pay, policies

In this March 4, 2019, file photo, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee delivers his first State of the State Address in Nashville, Tenn. Lee won a Republican primary fight largely about who was toughest on immigration. But so far, an immigration crackdown isn't his focus. Lee's administration has opposed two immigration bills by Republican Rep. Bruce Griffey, though not on humanitarian grounds. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)
In this March 4, 2019, file photo, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee delivers his first State of the State Address in Nashville, Tenn. Lee won a Republican primary fight largely about who was toughest on immigration. But so far, an immigration crackdown isn't his focus. Lee's administration has opposed two immigration bills by Republican Rep. Bruce Griffey, though not on humanitarian grounds. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File) In this March 4, 2019, file photo, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee delivers his first State of the State Address in Nashville, Tenn. Lee won a Republican primary fight largely about who was toughest on immigration. But so far, an immigration crackdown isn't his focus. Lee's administration has opposed two immigration bills by Republican Rep. Bruce Griffey, though not on humanitarian grounds. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)

By Dave Flessner 2 min read

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee today voiced support for a measure that would bar state or local governments from taking “discriminatory action” against companies based upon what businesses pay their workers or their policies on sexual orientation.

“It’s always important that we make sure that we allow businesses to operate freely and to operate in a way that protects rights and liberties of people but also protects their ability to operate in ways they choose to,” Lee said today during a Chattanooga visit.

The state House Thursday voted 68-22 to aprove a measure sponsored by Rep. Jason Zachary that bars cities and counties from favoring businesses based upon their internal policies, such as health insurance, family leave or minimum wage.

Zachary called it a “pro-active, business potection bill.” But critics contend the measure is similar to proposals in the past and could unfairly limit local governments from favoring higher paying businesses or those that have anti-discrimination policies for LGBTQ individuals beyond state law.

Cities in other states have used their contracting rules to require bidders to pay fair wages or not to discriminate based upon sexual preference.