Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-815 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-815
People permitted to possess and carry a firearm on school grounds
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding § 39-17-1309 or any other provision of title 39, chapter 17, part 13 to the contrary, and subject to subsection (b): (1) A person employed by an LEA as a faculty or staff member at a school within the LEA is permitted to possess and carry a concealed handgun on the grounds of the school at which the person is assigned; (2) A person assigned to a school in accordance with a memorandum of understanding between the chief of the appropriate law enforcement agency and the LEA is permitted to possess and carry a firearm on the grounds of the school at which the person is assigned; and (3) A law enforcement officer assigned to a school in accordance with § 49-6-820. (b) In order to possess and carry a handgun or firearm on school grounds: (1) Pursuant to subdivision (a)(1), the faculty or staff member must: (A) Possess and maintain a valid handgun carry permit issued by this state pursuant to § 39-17-1351 ; (B) Have the joint written authorization of the LEA's director of schools in conjunction with the principal of the school at which the person is assigned and the written authorization of the chief of the appropriate law enforcement agency to carry or possess a concealed handgun on school grounds; (C) Not be prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or carrying a handgun under the laws of this state or federal law, as determined by a background check. The faculty or staff member must submit two (2) full sets of classifiable fingerprints to the law enforcement agency from which the faculty or staff member is seeking authorization under subdivision (b)(1)(B). The agency must then submit the fingerprints to the Tennessee bureau of investigation. Upon receipt of the fingerprints from the agency, the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall: (i) Within thirty (30) days, conduct computer searches to determine the person's eligibility to purchase, possess, or carry a handgun as are available to the bureau based solely upon the person's name, date of birth, and social security number, and send the results of the searches to the submitting agency; (ii) Conduct a criminal history record check based upon one (1) set of the fingerprints received, and send the results to the submitting agency; and (iii) Send one (1) set of the fingerprints received from the submitting agency to the federal bureau of investigation; request a federal criminal history record check based upon the fingerprints, as long as the service is available; and send the results of the check to the submitting agency; (D) Have been certified by a Tennessee licensed healthcare provider, who is qualified in the psychiatric or psychological field and who contracts with the authorizing law enforcement agency, as being free from any impairment, as set forth in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association at the time of the examination, that would, in the professional judgment of the examiner, affect the faculty or staff member's ability to safely possess and carry a concealed handgun on the grounds of a school; and (E) Have successfully completed forty (40) hours of basic training in school policing as required by § 49-6-4217 when the authorization to carry a handgun on school grounds is issued. The faculty or staff member must complete a minimum of forty (40) hours of training specific to school policing that includes hands-on instruction with the authorizing law enforcement agency and that has been approved by the peace officer standards and training (POST) commission each year to retain the authorization. Any such training must be approved by the LEA and the cost of the training, firearm, and ammunition is at the expense of the person seeking authorization to possess and carry a concealed handgun on school grounds, not the LEA of the school at which the person is assigned; or (2) Pursuant to subdivision (a)(2), the person must: (A) Be authorized to possess and carry a firearm pursuant to § 39-17-1351 ; (B) Have the joint written authorization of the LEA's director of schools, in conjunction with the principal of the school at which the person is assigned, to carry or possess a firearm on school grounds; and (C) (i) Be a law enforcement officer, or have prior service as a law enforcement officer, as defined in § 39-11-106 ; (ii) Comply with all laws, rules, and regulations of the POST commission; and (iii) Have successfully completed forty (40) hours in basic training in school policing as required by § 49-6-4217 . Any such training must be approved by the LEA and the cost of the training, firearm, and ammunition is at the expense of the person seeking authorization to possess and carry a firearm on school grounds, not the LEA of the school at which the person is assigned. (c) No later than ten (10) days after the director of schools authorizes a person to carry or possess a firearm on school grounds pursuant to subdivision (a)(2), the director shall notify the chief of the appropriate law enforcement agency of the authorization and provide the law enforcement agency with the person's basic information, including the person's name, address, and contact information. (d) The following is confidential and not open for public inspection: (1) A joint written authorization of an LEA's director of schools and the principal of the school at which a person is assigned and authorized to carry or possess a firearm on school grounds given pursuant to subdivision (b)(2)(B); (2) A notification transmitted to the chief of the appropriate law enforcement agency pursuant to subsection (c); (3) The name and contact information of a person authorized to carry or possess a firearm on school grounds; (4) Whether an LEA's director of schools and the principal of a school have, or have not, issued a joint written authorization for a person to carry or possess a firearm on school grounds; or (5) Any other document, file, record, information, or material relating to the carrying or possessing of a firearm on school grounds that is authorized pursuant to this section and that is received by, transmitted to, maintained by, stored by, or compiled by the director of schools, the principal of the school, an LEA, or a city, county, or municipal law enforcement agency. (e) Nothing in § 49-3-315 shall be construed to require an LEA or a law enforcement agency of the county to assign or provide funding for a school resource officer as defined in § 49-6-4202 to any city school system within that county on the basis of the WFTEADA as defined by § 49-3-302 . The providing of security or school resource officers by a sheriff shall be considered a law enforcement function and not a school operation or maintenance purpose that requires the apportionment of funds pursuant to § 49-3-315 . (f) (1) The name and any other information that might identify a faculty or staff member as a person who has elected to carry a concealed handgun pursuant to subdivision (a)(1) is confidential, not open for public inspection, and shall not be disclosed by any law enforcement agency; provided, that the employee's name and other information may be disclosed to an administrative officer of the school district who is responsible for school facility security if the administrative officer is not the employee's immediate supervisor or a supervisor responsible for evaluating the employee. An administrative officer to whom such information is disclosed must maintain the information as confidential and shall not disclose the information to another person. (2) Law enforcement agencies may develop policies and procedures to implement the notification and confidentiality requirements of subdivision (f)(1). (g) A faculty or staff member who carries a concealed handgun pursuant to subdivision (a)(1) on property owned, operated, or controlled by the school at which the faculty or staff member is assigned shall not: (1) Carry the handgun openly, or in any other manner in which the handgun is visible to ordinary observation; or (2) Carry the handgun at the following times and locations: (A) Stadiums, gymnasiums, or auditoriums when school-sponsored events are in progress; (B) In meetings regarding disciplinary matters; (C) In meetings regarding tenure issues; (D) In a hospital, clinic, or office where medical or mental health services are the primary services provided; and (E) Any location where a provision of state or federal law, except for § 39-17-1309 and the posting provisions of § 39-17-1359 , prohibits the carrying of a firearm on that property. (h) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the LEA and law enforcement agency are immune from claims for monetary damages that arise solely from, or that are related to, a faculty or staff member's use of, or failure to use, a handgun; provided, that the faculty or staff member is authorized to carry the handgun pursuant to this section. This section does not expand the existing conditions for which sovereign immunity is waived in § 9-8-307 . (i) As used in this section, "faculty or staff member": (1) Includes all faculty, staff, and other persons who are employed on a full-time basis by the LEA; and (2) Does not include a person who is enrolled as a student at the school, regardless of whether the person is also an employee of the LEA. (j) This section does not apply to: (1) Schools within the department of children's services' LEA; or (2) Schools within the department of correction's LEA. (k) As used in this section, "appropriate law enforcement agency" means: (1) The law enforcement agency that employs a school resource officer that is assigned to the school; or (2) If no school resource officer is assigned to the school, the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the school. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 801,s 2, eff. 4/27/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 801,s 1, eff. 4/27/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 729,s 4, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 729,s 3, eff. 7/1/2024. Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 358, s 2, eff. 7/1/2013.
(a) Notwithstanding § 39-17-1309 or any other provision of title 39, chapter 17, part 13 to the contrary, and subject to subsection (b): (1) A person employed by an LEA as a faculty or staff member at a school within the LEA is permitted to possess and carry a concealed handgun on the grounds of the school at which the person is assigned; (2) A person assigned to a school in accordance with a memorandum of understanding between the chief of the appropriate law enforcement agency and the LEA is permitted to possess and carry a firearm on the grounds of the school at which the person is assigned; and (3) A law enforcement officer assigned to a school in accordance with § 49-6-820.
(1) A person employed by an LEA as a faculty or staff member at a school within the LEA is permitted to possess and carry a concealed handgun on the grounds of the school at which the person is assigned;
(2) A person assigned to a school in accordance with a memorandum of understanding between the chief of the appropriate law enforcement agency and the LEA is permitted to possess and carry a firearm on the grounds of the school at which the person is assigned; and
(3) A law enforcement officer assigned to a school in accordance with § 49-6-820.
(b) In order to possess and carry a handgun or firearm on school grounds: (1) Pursuant to subdivision (a)(1), the faculty or staff member must: (A) Possess and maintain a valid handgun carry permit issued by this state pursuant to § 39-17-1351 ; (B) Have the joint written authorization of the LEA's director of schools in conjunction with the principal of the school at which the person is assigned and the written authorization of the chief of the appropriate law enforcement agency to carry or possess a concealed handgun on school grounds; (C) Not be prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or carrying a handgun under the laws of this state or federal law, as determined by a background check. The faculty or staff member must submit two (2) full sets of classifiable fingerprints to the law enforcement agency from which the faculty or staff member is seeking authorization under subdivision (b)(1)(B). The agency must then submit the fingerprints to the Tennessee bureau of investigation. Upon receipt of the fingerprints from the agency, the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall: (i) Within thirty (30) days, conduct computer searches to determine the person's eligibility to purchase, possess, or carry a handgun as are available to the bureau based solely upon the person's name, date of birth, and social security number, and send the results of the searches to the submitting agency; (ii) Conduct a criminal history record check based upon one (1) set of the fingerprints received, and send the results to the submitting agency; and (iii) Send one (1) set of the fingerprints received from the submitting agency to the federal bureau of investigation; request a federal criminal history record check based upon the fingerprints, as long as the service is available; and send the results of the check to the submitting agency; (D) Have been certified by a Tennessee licensed healthcare provider, who is qualified in the psychiatric or psychological field and who contracts with the authorizing law enforcement agency, as being free from any impairment, as set forth in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association at the time of the examination, that would, in the professional judgment of the examiner, affect the faculty or staff member's ability to safely possess and carry a concealed handgun on the grounds of a school; and (E) Have successfully completed forty (40) hours of basic training in school policing as required by § 49-6-4217 when the authorization to carry a handgun on school grounds is issued. The faculty or staff member must complete a minimum of forty (40) hours of training specific to school policing that includes hands-on instruction with the authorizing law enforcement agency and that has been approved by the peace officer standards and training (POST) commission each year to retain the authorization. Any such training must be approved by the LEA and the cost of the training, firearm, and ammunition is at the expense of the person seeking authorization to possess and carry a concealed handgun on school grounds, not the LEA of the school at which the person is assigned; or (2) Pursuant to subdivision (a)(2), the person must: (A) Be authorized to possess and carry a firearm pursuant to § 39-17-1351 ; (B) Have the joint written authorization of the LEA's director of schools, in conjunction with the principal of the school at which the person is assigned, to carry or possess a firearm on school grounds; and (C) (i) Be a law enforcement officer, or have prior service as a law enforcement officer, as defined in § 39-11-106 ; (ii) Comply with all laws, rules, and regulations of the POST commission; and (iii) Have successfully completed forty (40) hours in basic training in school policing as required by § 49-6-4217 . Any such training must be approved by the LEA and the cost of the training, firearm, and ammunition is at the expense of the person seeking authorization to possess and carry a firearm on school grounds, not the LEA of the school at which the person is assigned.
(1) Pursuant to subdivision (a)(1), the faculty or staff member must: (A) Possess and maintain a valid handgun carry permit issued by this state pursuant to § 39-17-1351 ; (B) Have the joint written authorization of the LEA's director of schools in conjunction with the principal of the school at which the person is assigned and the written authorization of the chief of the appropriate law enforcement agency to carry or possess a concealed handgun on school grounds; (C) Not be prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or carrying a handgun under the laws of this state or federal law, as determined by a background check. The faculty or staff member must submit two (2) full sets of classifiable fingerprints to the law enforcement agency from which the faculty or staff member is seeking authorization under subdivision (b)(1)(B). The agency must then submit the fingerprints to the Tennessee bureau of investigation. Upon receipt of the fingerprints from the agency, the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall: (i) Within thirty (30) days, conduct computer searches to determine the person's eligibility to purchase, possess, or carry a handgun as are available to the bureau based solely upon the person's name, date of birth, and social security number, and send the results of the searches to the submitting agency; (ii) Conduct a criminal history record check based upon one (1) set of the fingerprints received, and send the results to the submitting agency; and (iii) Send one (1) set of the fingerprints received from the submitting agency to the federal bureau of investigation; request a federal criminal history record check based upon the fingerprints, as long as the service is available; and send the results of the check to the submitting agency; (D) Have been certified by a Tennessee licensed healthcare provider, who is qualified in the psychiatric or psychological field and who contracts with the authorizing law enforcement agency, as being free from any impairment, as set forth in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association at the time of the examination, that would, in the professional judgment of the examiner, affect the faculty or staff member's ability to safely possess and carry a concealed handgun on the grounds of a school; and (E) Have successfully completed forty (40) hours of basic training in school policing as required by § 49-6-4217 when the authorization to carry a handgun on school grounds is issued. The faculty or staff member must complete a minimum of forty (40) hours of training specific to school policing that includes hands-on instruction with the authorizing law enforcement agency and that has been approved by the peace officer standards and training (POST) commission each year to retain the authorization. Any such training must be approved by the LEA and the cost of the training, firearm, and ammunition is at the expense of the person seeking authorization to possess and carry a concealed handgun on school grounds, not the LEA of the school at which the person is assigned; or
(A) Possess and maintain a valid handgun carry permit issued by this state pursuant to § 39-17-1351 ;
(B) Have the joint written authorization of the LEA's director of schools in conjunction with the principal of the school at which the person is assigned and the written authorization of the chief of the appropriate law enforcement agency to carry or possess a concealed handgun on school grounds;
(C) Not be prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or carrying a handgun under the laws of this state or federal law, as determined by a background check. The faculty or staff member must submit two (2) full sets of classifiable fingerprints to the law enforcement agency from which the faculty or staff member is seeking authorization under subdivision (b)(1)(B). The agency must then submit the fingerprints to the Tennessee bureau of investigation. Upon receipt of the fingerprints from the agency, the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall: (i) Within thirty (30) days, conduct computer searches to determine the person's eligibility to purchase, possess, or carry a handgun as are available to the bureau based solely upon the person's name, date of birth, and social security number, and send the results of the searches to the submitting agency; (ii) Conduct a criminal history record check based upon one (1) set of the fingerprints received, and send the results to the submitting agency; and (iii) Send one (1) set of the fingerprints received from the submitting agency to the federal bureau of investigation; request a federal criminal history record check based upon the fingerprints, as long as the service is available; and send the results of the check to the submitting agency;
(i) Within thirty (30) days, conduct computer searches to determine the person's eligibility to purchase, possess, or carry a handgun as are available to the bureau based solely upon the person's name, date of birth, and social security number, and send the results of the searches to the submitting agency;
(ii) Conduct a criminal history record check based upon one (1) set of the fingerprints received, and send the results to the submitting agency; and
(iii) Send one (1) set of the fingerprints received from the submitting agency to the federal bureau of investigation; request a federal criminal history record check based upon the fingerprints, as long as the service is available; and send the results of the check to the submitting agency;
(D) Have been certified by a Tennessee licensed healthcare provider, who is qualified in the psychiatric or psychological field and who contracts with the authorizing law enforcement agency, as being free from any impairment, as set forth in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association at the time of the examination, that would, in the professional judgment of the examiner, affect the faculty or staff member's ability to safely possess and carry a concealed handgun on the grounds of a school; and
(E) Have successfully completed forty (40) hours of basic training in school policing as required by § 49-6-4217 when the authorization to carry a handgun on school grounds is issued. The faculty or staff member must complete a minimum of forty (40) hours of training specific to school policing that includes hands-on instruction with the authorizing law enforcement agency and that has been approved by the peace officer standards and training (POST) commission each year to retain the authorization. Any such training must be approved by the LEA and the cost of the training, firearm, and ammunition is at the expense of the person seeking authorization to possess and carry a concealed handgun on school grounds, not the LEA of the school at which the person is assigned; or
(2) Pursuant to subdivision (a)(2), the person must: (A) Be authorized to possess and carry a firearm pursuant to § 39-17-1351 ; (B) Have the joint written authorization of the LEA's director of schools, in conjunction with the principal of the school at which the person is assigned, to carry or possess a firearm on school grounds; and (C) (i) Be a law enforcement officer, or have prior service as a law enforcement officer, as defined in § 39-11-106 ; (ii) Comply with all laws, rules, and regulations of the POST commission; and (iii) Have successfully completed forty (40) hours in basic training in school policing as required by § 49-6-4217 . Any such training must be approved by the LEA and the cost of the training, firearm, and ammunition is at the expense of the person seeking authorization to possess and carry a firearm on school grounds, not the LEA of the school at which the person is assigned.
(A) Be authorized to possess and carry a firearm pursuant to § 39-17-1351 ;
(B) Have the joint written authorization of the LEA's director of schools, in conjunction with the principal of the school at which the person is assigned, to carry or possess a firearm on school grounds; and
(C) (i) Be a law enforcement officer, or have prior service as a law enforcement officer, as defined in § 39-11-106 ; (ii) Comply with all laws, rules, and regulations of the POST commission; and (iii) Have successfully completed forty (40) hours in basic training in school policing as required by § 49-6-4217 . Any such training must be approved by the LEA and the cost of the training, firearm, and ammunition is at the expense of the person seeking authorization to possess and carry a firearm on school grounds, not the LEA of the school at which the person is assigned.
(i) Be a law enforcement officer, or have prior service as a law enforcement officer, as defined in § 39-11-106 ;
(ii) Comply with all laws, rules, and regulations of the POST commission; and
(iii) Have successfully completed forty (40) hours in basic training in school policing as required by § 49-6-4217 . Any such training must be approved by the LEA and the cost of the training, firearm, and ammunition is at the expense of the person seeking authorization to possess and carry a firearm on school grounds, not the LEA of the school at which the person is assigned.
(c) No later than ten (10) days after the director of schools authorizes a person to carry or possess a firearm on school grounds pursuant to subdivision (a)(2), the director shall notify the chief of the appropriate law enforcement agency of the authorization and provide the law enforcement agency with the person's basic information, including the person's name, address, and contact information.
(d) The following is confidential and not open for public inspection: (1) A joint written authorization of an LEA's director of schools and the principal of the school at which a person is assigned and authorized to carry or possess a firearm on school grounds given pursuant to subdivision (b)(2)(B); (2) A notification transmitted to the chief of the appropriate law enforcement agency pursuant to subsection (c); (3) The name and contact information of a person authorized to carry or possess a firearm on school grounds; (4) Whether an LEA's director of schools and the principal of a school have, or have not, issued a joint written authorization for a person to carry or possess a firearm on school grounds; or (5) Any other document, file, record, information, or material relating to the carrying or possessing of a firearm on school grounds that is authorized pursuant to this section and that is received by, transmitted to, maintained by, stored by, or compiled by the director of schools, the principal of the school, an LEA, or a city, county, or municipal law enforcement agency.
(1) A joint written authorization of an LEA's director of schools and the principal of the school at which a person is assigned and authorized to carry or possess a firearm on school grounds given pursuant to subdivision (b)(2)(B);
(2) A notification transmitted to the chief of the appropriate law enforcement agency pursuant to subsection (c);
(3) The name and contact information of a person authorized to carry or possess a firearm on school grounds;
(4) Whether an LEA's director of schools and the principal of a school have, or have not, issued a joint written authorization for a person to carry or possess a firearm on school grounds; or
(5) Any other document, file, record, information, or material relating to the carrying or possessing of a firearm on school grounds that is authorized pursuant to this section and that is received by, transmitted to, maintained by, stored by, or compiled by the director of schools, the principal of the school, an LEA, or a city, county, or municipal law enforcement agency.
(e) Nothing in § 49-3-315 shall be construed to require an LEA or a law enforcement agency of the county to assign or provide funding for a school resource officer as defined in § 49-6-4202 to any city school system within that county on the basis of the WFTEADA as defined by § 49-3-302 . The providing of security or school resource officers by a sheriff shall be considered a law enforcement function and not a school operation or maintenance purpose that requires the apportionment of funds pursuant to § 49-3-315 .
(f) (1) The name and any other information that might identify a faculty or staff member as a person who has elected to carry a concealed handgun pursuant to subdivision (a)(1) is confidential, not open for public inspection, and shall not be disclosed by any law enforcement agency; provided, that the employee's name and other information may be disclosed to an administrative officer of the school district who is responsible for school facility security if the administrative officer is not the employee's immediate supervisor or a supervisor responsible for evaluating the employee. An administrative officer to whom such information is disclosed must maintain the information as confidential and shall not disclose the information to another person. (2) Law enforcement agencies may develop policies and procedures to implement the notification and confidentiality requirements of subdivision (f)(1).
(1) The name and any other information that might identify a faculty or staff member as a person who has elected to carry a concealed handgun pursuant to subdivision (a)(1) is confidential, not open for public inspection, and shall not be disclosed by any law enforcement agency; provided, that the employee's name and other information may be disclosed to an administrative officer of the school district who is responsible for school facility security if the administrative officer is not the employee's immediate supervisor or a supervisor responsible for evaluating the employee. An administrative officer to whom such information is disclosed must maintain the information as confidential and shall not disclose the information to another person.
(2) Law enforcement agencies may develop policies and procedures to implement the notification and confidentiality requirements of subdivision (f)(1).
(g) A faculty or staff member who carries a concealed handgun pursuant to subdivision (a)(1) on property owned, operated, or controlled by the school at which the faculty or staff member is assigned shall not: (1) Carry the handgun openly, or in any other manner in which the handgun is visible to ordinary observation; or (2) Carry the handgun at the following times and locations: (A) Stadiums, gymnasiums, or auditoriums when school-sponsored events are in progress; (B) In meetings regarding disciplinary matters; (C) In meetings regarding tenure issues; (D) In a hospital, clinic, or office where medical or mental health services are the primary services provided; and (E) Any location where a provision of state or federal law, except for § 39-17-1309 and the posting provisions of § 39-17-1359 , prohibits the carrying of a firearm on that property.
(1) Carry the handgun openly, or in any other manner in which the handgun is visible to ordinary observation; or
(2) Carry the handgun at the following times and locations: (A) Stadiums, gymnasiums, or auditoriums when school-sponsored events are in progress; (B) In meetings regarding disciplinary matters; (C) In meetings regarding tenure issues; (D) In a hospital, clinic, or office where medical or mental health services are the primary services provided; and (E) Any location where a provision of state or federal law, except for § 39-17-1309 and the posting provisions of § 39-17-1359 , prohibits the carrying of a firearm on that property.
(A) Stadiums, gymnasiums, or auditoriums when school-sponsored events are in progress;
(B) In meetings regarding disciplinary matters;
(C) In meetings regarding tenure issues;
(D) In a hospital, clinic, or office where medical or mental health services are the primary services provided; and
(E) Any location where a provision of state or federal law, except for § 39-17-1309 and the posting provisions of § 39-17-1359 , prohibits the carrying of a firearm on that property.
(h) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the LEA and law enforcement agency are immune from claims for monetary damages that arise solely from, or that are related to, a faculty or staff member's use of, or failure to use, a handgun; provided, that the faculty or staff member is authorized to carry the handgun pursuant to this section. This section does not expand the existing conditions for which sovereign immunity is waived in § 9-8-307 .
(i) As used in this section, "faculty or staff member": (1) Includes all faculty, staff, and other persons who are employed on a full-time basis by the LEA; and (2) Does not include a person who is enrolled as a student at the school, regardless of whether the person is also an employee of the LEA.
(1) Includes all faculty, staff, and other persons who are employed on a full-time basis by the LEA; and
(2) Does not include a person who is enrolled as a student at the school, regardless of whether the person is also an employee of the LEA.
(j) This section does not apply to: (1) Schools within the department of children's services' LEA; or (2) Schools within the department of correction's LEA.
(1) Schools within the department of children's services' LEA; or
(2) Schools within the department of correction's LEA.
(k) As used in this section, "appropriate law enforcement agency" means: (1) The law enforcement agency that employs a school resource officer that is assigned to the school; or (2) If no school resource officer is assigned to the school, the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the school.
(1) The law enforcement agency that employs a school resource officer that is assigned to the school; or
(2) If no school resource officer is assigned to the school, the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the school.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 801,s 2, eff. 4/27/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 801,s 1, eff. 4/27/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 729,s 4, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 729,s 3, eff. 7/1/2024.
Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 358, s 2, eff. 7/1/2013.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3015 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-3015
[Repealed] Reserved
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 65, eff. 5/2/2019. Acts 1927, ch. 19, §§ 1-7; Code 1932, §§ 2443-2452; modified; Acts 1974, ch. 654, §§ 104-106; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-1729 -- 49-1737; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2006, ch. 755, §§ 1, 2.
Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 65, eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 1927, ch. 19, §§ 1-7; Code 1932, §§ 2443-2452; modified; Acts 1974, ch. 654, §§ 104-106; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-1729 -- 49-1737; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2006, ch. 755, §§ 1, 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-11-502 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 49-11-502
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Acts 1981, ch. 244, § 2; 1983, ch. 260, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-2650; repealed by Acts 2019, ch. 204, § 16, effective 4/25/2019.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2005 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-2005
School flags
Status: in_force

(a) The United States flag shall be displayed on every public school building. It is the duty of the board of education to purchase at wholesale prices, on competitive bids, as many flags as needed for the various schools and to pay for them out of the public school funds. (b) In order that uniformity in the quality of flags and their adaptability to the size of the building may be secured, it is the duty of the commissioner of education to specify the size and quality of flags to be purchased and to outline rules and regulations for the proper care, display and observance of the flag. Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 29; Shan. Supp., §§ 1487a177, 1487a178; Code 1932, §§ 2506, 2507; Acts 1974, ch. 654, §§ 40, 41; 1975, ch. 92, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-814, 49-815.
(a) The United States flag shall be displayed on every public school building. It is the duty of the board of education to purchase at wholesale prices, on competitive bids, as many flags as needed for the various schools and to pay for them out of the public school funds.
(b) In order that uniformity in the quality of flags and their adaptability to the size of the building may be secured, it is the duty of the commissioner of education to specify the size and quality of flags to be purchased and to outline rules and regulations for the proper care, display and observance of the flag.
Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 29; Shan. Supp., §§ 1487a177, 1487a178; Code 1932, §§ 2506, 2507; Acts 1974, ch. 654, §§ 40, 41; 1975, ch. 92, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-814, 49-815.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2013 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2013
Bond requirements
Status: in_force

(a) (1) At the time an application is made for authorization, or for renewal of the authorization, the commission may require the postsecondary educational institution making the application to file with the commission a good and sufficient surety bond in a penal sum in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or another sum as provided by the commission. The bond must be executed by the applicant as principal and by a corporate surety company qualified and authorized to do business in this state. (2) A cash surety bond in the applicable amount on deposit in this state in a bank or savings and loan association that is federally insured may be filed instead of the corporate bond, subject to approval by the commission. The cash surety bond must be payable upon demand by the commission under the same conditions specified in this section for corporate bonds and not subject to withdrawal without the approval of the commission. (3) The bond must be conditioned to: (A) Initially provide indemnification to a student or enrollee, or the student's or enrollee's parent or guardian, or a class thereof, determined to have suffered loss or damage as a result of an act or practice by the postsecondary educational institution that is a violation of this part, and the bonding company shall pay a final, nonappealable judgment rendered by the commission or a court of this state having jurisdiction, upon receipt of written notification of the judgment; and (B) Subsequent to the initial conditions outlined in subdivision (a)(3)(A), pay any remaining funds to the special agency account established pursuant to § 49-7-2014 in an amount to be assessed by the commission for the administrative costs associated with maintaining academic records pursuant to § 49-7-2016 , including the collection, conversion, and retention of all academic records. (4) Regardless of the number of years that the bond is in force, the aggregate liability of the surety on the bond shall not exceed the penal sum of the bond. (5) The bond must be continuous. (b) (1) The corporate surety bond required to be filed under this section must cover the period of the authorization, except when a surety is released as provided in this section. (2) A surety on a bond filed under this section may be released from the bond after the surety serves written notice of the release to the commission sixty (60) days prior to the release. The release shall not discharge or otherwise affect a claim filed by a student or enrollee, or the student's or enrollee's parent or guardian, for loss or damage resulting from an act or practice that is a violation of this part that is alleged to have occurred while the bond was in effect, or affect an institution's ceasing activities or operations during the term for which tuition has been paid while the bond was in force. (3) A cash surety bond must remain on file for one (1) year after the expiration of the period of authorization. The expiration or withdrawal of the cash bond shall not serve to diminish or nullify the rights of claimants. The claimants have the same rights as claimants have against a postsecondary educational institution that filed a corporate surety bond that was subsequently released, as described in this section. (c) Authorization is conditional, subject to revocation, by operation of law when the institution is no longer covered by a surety bond as required by this section. The commission shall cause the institution to receive at least thirty (30) days' written notice that the authorization is to become conditional, subject to revocation, by operation of law until another surety bond is filed in the same manner, and in a like amount, as the bond being terminated; however, absent exceptional circumstances, a postsecondary educational institution shall not continue to engage in activities or operations without a surety bond for more than ninety (90) days. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 22, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 790, s 3, eff. 4/20/2018. Acts 1961, ch. 112, § 16; 1974, ch. 781, § 16; 1978, ch. 501, §§ 1-3; T.C.A., § 49-3916; Acts 1989, ch. 425, §§ 11-14; 1998, ch. 695, § 10.
(a) (1) At the time an application is made for authorization, or for renewal of the authorization, the commission may require the postsecondary educational institution making the application to file with the commission a good and sufficient surety bond in a penal sum in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or another sum as provided by the commission. The bond must be executed by the applicant as principal and by a corporate surety company qualified and authorized to do business in this state. (2) A cash surety bond in the applicable amount on deposit in this state in a bank or savings and loan association that is federally insured may be filed instead of the corporate bond, subject to approval by the commission. The cash surety bond must be payable upon demand by the commission under the same conditions specified in this section for corporate bonds and not subject to withdrawal without the approval of the commission. (3) The bond must be conditioned to: (A) Initially provide indemnification to a student or enrollee, or the student's or enrollee's parent or guardian, or a class thereof, determined to have suffered loss or damage as a result of an act or practice by the postsecondary educational institution that is a violation of this part, and the bonding company shall pay a final, nonappealable judgment rendered by the commission or a court of this state having jurisdiction, upon receipt of written notification of the judgment; and (B) Subsequent to the initial conditions outlined in subdivision (a)(3)(A), pay any remaining funds to the special agency account established pursuant to § 49-7-2014 in an amount to be assessed by the commission for the administrative costs associated with maintaining academic records pursuant to § 49-7-2016 , including the collection, conversion, and retention of all academic records. (4) Regardless of the number of years that the bond is in force, the aggregate liability of the surety on the bond shall not exceed the penal sum of the bond. (5) The bond must be continuous.
(1) At the time an application is made for authorization, or for renewal of the authorization, the commission may require the postsecondary educational institution making the application to file with the commission a good and sufficient surety bond in a penal sum in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or another sum as provided by the commission. The bond must be executed by the applicant as principal and by a corporate surety company qualified and authorized to do business in this state.
(2) A cash surety bond in the applicable amount on deposit in this state in a bank or savings and loan association that is federally insured may be filed instead of the corporate bond, subject to approval by the commission. The cash surety bond must be payable upon demand by the commission under the same conditions specified in this section for corporate bonds and not subject to withdrawal without the approval of the commission.
(3) The bond must be conditioned to: (A) Initially provide indemnification to a student or enrollee, or the student's or enrollee's parent or guardian, or a class thereof, determined to have suffered loss or damage as a result of an act or practice by the postsecondary educational institution that is a violation of this part, and the bonding company shall pay a final, nonappealable judgment rendered by the commission or a court of this state having jurisdiction, upon receipt of written notification of the judgment; and (B) Subsequent to the initial conditions outlined in subdivision (a)(3)(A), pay any remaining funds to the special agency account established pursuant to § 49-7-2014 in an amount to be assessed by the commission for the administrative costs associated with maintaining academic records pursuant to § 49-7-2016 , including the collection, conversion, and retention of all academic records.
(A) Initially provide indemnification to a student or enrollee, or the student's or enrollee's parent or guardian, or a class thereof, determined to have suffered loss or damage as a result of an act or practice by the postsecondary educational institution that is a violation of this part, and the bonding company shall pay a final, nonappealable judgment rendered by the commission or a court of this state having jurisdiction, upon receipt of written notification of the judgment; and
(B) Subsequent to the initial conditions outlined in subdivision (a)(3)(A), pay any remaining funds to the special agency account established pursuant to § 49-7-2014 in an amount to be assessed by the commission for the administrative costs associated with maintaining academic records pursuant to § 49-7-2016 , including the collection, conversion, and retention of all academic records.
(4) Regardless of the number of years that the bond is in force, the aggregate liability of the surety on the bond shall not exceed the penal sum of the bond.
(5) The bond must be continuous.
(b) (1) The corporate surety bond required to be filed under this section must cover the period of the authorization, except when a surety is released as provided in this section. (2) A surety on a bond filed under this section may be released from the bond after the surety serves written notice of the release to the commission sixty (60) days prior to the release. The release shall not discharge or otherwise affect a claim filed by a student or enrollee, or the student's or enrollee's parent or guardian, for loss or damage resulting from an act or practice that is a violation of this part that is alleged to have occurred while the bond was in effect, or affect an institution's ceasing activities or operations during the term for which tuition has been paid while the bond was in force. (3) A cash surety bond must remain on file for one (1) year after the expiration of the period of authorization. The expiration or withdrawal of the cash bond shall not serve to diminish or nullify the rights of claimants. The claimants have the same rights as claimants have against a postsecondary educational institution that filed a corporate surety bond that was subsequently released, as described in this section.
(1) The corporate surety bond required to be filed under this section must cover the period of the authorization, except when a surety is released as provided in this section.
(2) A surety on a bond filed under this section may be released from the bond after the surety serves written notice of the release to the commission sixty (60) days prior to the release. The release shall not discharge or otherwise affect a claim filed by a student or enrollee, or the student's or enrollee's parent or guardian, for loss or damage resulting from an act or practice that is a violation of this part that is alleged to have occurred while the bond was in effect, or affect an institution's ceasing activities or operations during the term for which tuition has been paid while the bond was in force.
(3) A cash surety bond must remain on file for one (1) year after the expiration of the period of authorization. The expiration or withdrawal of the cash bond shall not serve to diminish or nullify the rights of claimants. The claimants have the same rights as claimants have against a postsecondary educational institution that filed a corporate surety bond that was subsequently released, as described in this section.
(c) Authorization is conditional, subject to revocation, by operation of law when the institution is no longer covered by a surety bond as required by this section. The commission shall cause the institution to receive at least thirty (30) days' written notice that the authorization is to become conditional, subject to revocation, by operation of law until another surety bond is filed in the same manner, and in a like amount, as the bond being terminated; however, absent exceptional circumstances, a postsecondary educational institution shall not continue to engage in activities or operations without a surety bond for more than ninety (90) days.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 22, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 790, s 3, eff. 4/20/2018.
Acts 1961, ch. 112, § 16; 1974, ch. 781, § 16; 1978, ch. 501, §§ 1-3; T.C.A., § 49-3916; Acts 1989, ch. 425, §§ 11-14; 1998, ch. 695, § 10.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-1302 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-1302
Meetings
Status: in_force

All meetings of the board of trustees concerning actions authorized by this part shall be conducted as public meetings in accordance with title 8, chapter 44, part 1. Acts 1997, ch. 418, § 1.
All meetings of the board of trustees concerning actions authorized by this part shall be conducted as public meetings in accordance with title 8, chapter 44, part 1.
Acts 1997, ch. 418, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-920 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-920
HOPE access grant
Status: in_force

(a) To be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE access grant, an entering freshman student shall: (1) Meet all requirements of §§ 49-4-904 and 49-4-905 ; (2) Have an adjusted gross income attributable to the student that does not exceed thirty-six thousand dollars ($36,000); (3) Submit an initial Tennessee HOPE access grant application no later than September 1, 2021, or a renewal application by the deadline published on TSAC's website each year thereafter; (4) Graduate from an eligible high school after December 1, 2003, upon having completed curriculum requirements of the high school for graduation; (5) Achieve a final high school grade point average of at least 2.75; (6) Attain a composite ACT score of at least 18 on any single ACT test date or a concordant equivalent score on the SAT on any single SAT test date; and (7) Be admitted to, and enroll in, an eligible postsecondary institution no later than sixteen (16) months after graduation from an eligible high school. (b) (1) A Tennessee HOPE access grant shall be awarded to an eligible student only until the end of the semester in which the student has attempted a total of twenty-four (24) semester hours. A student who is eligible for a Tennessee HOPE Scholarship shall be ineligible for a Tennessee HOPE access grant. (2) A student receiving a Tennessee HOPE access grant shall maintain continuous enrollment at an eligible postsecondary institution. (3) If a student ceases to be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE access grant at any time for any reason, then the student may not regain the Tennessee HOPE access grant and shall not be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship. (c) The receipt of a Tennessee HOPE access grant is contingent upon admission to an eligible postsecondary institution. Financially and academically qualifying for a Tennessee HOPE access grant does not guarantee admission to an eligible postsecondary institution. (d) Subject to the amounts appropriated by the general assembly and any law relating to a shortfall in funds available for postsecondary assistance from the net proceeds of the state lottery, a Tennessee HOPE access grant shall be fifty percent (50%) of the combined award of the ASPIRE award under § 49-4-915 and the Tennessee HOPE scholarship awarded under § 49-4-914 that is applicable to Tennessee HOPE scholarship recipients at the eligible postsecondary institution at which the Tennessee HOPE access grant recipient is enrolled. (e) (1) TSAC shall review a student's eligibility at the end of the semester in which the student has attempted twenty-four (24) semester hours. If a student receiving a Tennessee HOPE access grant has achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 at the end of the semester in which the student has attempted twenty-four (24) semester hours, then the student shall be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship. If the student meets the requirements of § 49-4-915(a)(2) , the student shall be eligible for an ASPIRE award. (2) If a student receiving a Tennessee HOPE access grant does not achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 at the end of the semester in which the student has attempted twenty-four (24) semester hours, but the student, without financial assistance from lottery proceeds, continues to attend an eligible postsecondary institution and meets the requirements of § 49-4-911(a)(1) at the end of the semester in which the student has attempted forty-eight (48), seventy-two (72), ninety-six (96) or any subsequent multiple of twenty-four (24) semester hours or the requirements of § 49-4-911(a)(2) at the end of forty-eight (48) semester hours or at the end of any subsequent semester, then the student shall be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship if the student meets all other applicable requirements. If, at that time, the student meets the requirements of § 49-4-915(a)(2) , the student shall be eligible for an ASPIRE award. (f) A student may receive a Tennessee HOPE scholarship after having received a Tennessee HOPE access grant until the first of the following events: (1) The student has earned an advanced degree; or (2) Five (5) years have passed from the date of the student's initial enrollment at any postsecondary institution. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 368, s 9, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, Secs.s 40, s 41 eff. 8/1/2020. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 39, eff. 8/1/2020. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 328, s 4, eff. 5/9/2017. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 900, s 8, eff. 7/1/2015. Acts 2003 , ch. 298, § 1; 2004, ch. 840, §§ 16, 24, 25; 2004, ch. 881, §§ 6, 7; 2005, ch. 481, §§ 3, 11 - 13, 17, 29; 2008 , ch. 1142, §§ 5, 9; 2011 , ch. 437, § 4.
(a) To be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE access grant, an entering freshman student shall: (1) Meet all requirements of §§ 49-4-904 and 49-4-905 ; (2) Have an adjusted gross income attributable to the student that does not exceed thirty-six thousand dollars ($36,000); (3) Submit an initial Tennessee HOPE access grant application no later than September 1, 2021, or a renewal application by the deadline published on TSAC's website each year thereafter; (4) Graduate from an eligible high school after December 1, 2003, upon having completed curriculum requirements of the high school for graduation; (5) Achieve a final high school grade point average of at least 2.75; (6) Attain a composite ACT score of at least 18 on any single ACT test date or a concordant equivalent score on the SAT on any single SAT test date; and (7) Be admitted to, and enroll in, an eligible postsecondary institution no later than sixteen (16) months after graduation from an eligible high school.
(1) Meet all requirements of §§ 49-4-904 and 49-4-905 ;
(2) Have an adjusted gross income attributable to the student that does not exceed thirty-six thousand dollars ($36,000);
(3) Submit an initial Tennessee HOPE access grant application no later than September 1, 2021, or a renewal application by the deadline published on TSAC's website each year thereafter;
(4) Graduate from an eligible high school after December 1, 2003, upon having completed curriculum requirements of the high school for graduation;
(5) Achieve a final high school grade point average of at least 2.75;
(6) Attain a composite ACT score of at least 18 on any single ACT test date or a concordant equivalent score on the SAT on any single SAT test date; and
(7) Be admitted to, and enroll in, an eligible postsecondary institution no later than sixteen (16) months after graduation from an eligible high school.
(b) (1) A Tennessee HOPE access grant shall be awarded to an eligible student only until the end of the semester in which the student has attempted a total of twenty-four (24) semester hours. A student who is eligible for a Tennessee HOPE Scholarship shall be ineligible for a Tennessee HOPE access grant. (2) A student receiving a Tennessee HOPE access grant shall maintain continuous enrollment at an eligible postsecondary institution. (3) If a student ceases to be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE access grant at any time for any reason, then the student may not regain the Tennessee HOPE access grant and shall not be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship.
(1) A Tennessee HOPE access grant shall be awarded to an eligible student only until the end of the semester in which the student has attempted a total of twenty-four (24) semester hours. A student who is eligible for a Tennessee HOPE Scholarship shall be ineligible for a Tennessee HOPE access grant.
(2) A student receiving a Tennessee HOPE access grant shall maintain continuous enrollment at an eligible postsecondary institution.
(3) If a student ceases to be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE access grant at any time for any reason, then the student may not regain the Tennessee HOPE access grant and shall not be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship.
(c) The receipt of a Tennessee HOPE access grant is contingent upon admission to an eligible postsecondary institution. Financially and academically qualifying for a Tennessee HOPE access grant does not guarantee admission to an eligible postsecondary institution.
(d) Subject to the amounts appropriated by the general assembly and any law relating to a shortfall in funds available for postsecondary assistance from the net proceeds of the state lottery, a Tennessee HOPE access grant shall be fifty percent (50%) of the combined award of the ASPIRE award under § 49-4-915 and the Tennessee HOPE scholarship awarded under § 49-4-914 that is applicable to Tennessee HOPE scholarship recipients at the eligible postsecondary institution at which the Tennessee HOPE access grant recipient is enrolled.
(e) (1) TSAC shall review a student's eligibility at the end of the semester in which the student has attempted twenty-four (24) semester hours. If a student receiving a Tennessee HOPE access grant has achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 at the end of the semester in which the student has attempted twenty-four (24) semester hours, then the student shall be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship. If the student meets the requirements of § 49-4-915(a)(2) , the student shall be eligible for an ASPIRE award. (2) If a student receiving a Tennessee HOPE access grant does not achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 at the end of the semester in which the student has attempted twenty-four (24) semester hours, but the student, without financial assistance from lottery proceeds, continues to attend an eligible postsecondary institution and meets the requirements of § 49-4-911(a)(1) at the end of the semester in which the student has attempted forty-eight (48), seventy-two (72), ninety-six (96) or any subsequent multiple of twenty-four (24) semester hours or the requirements of § 49-4-911(a)(2) at the end of forty-eight (48) semester hours or at the end of any subsequent semester, then the student shall be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship if the student meets all other applicable requirements. If, at that time, the student meets the requirements of § 49-4-915(a)(2) , the student shall be eligible for an ASPIRE award.
(1) TSAC shall review a student's eligibility at the end of the semester in which the student has attempted twenty-four (24) semester hours. If a student receiving a Tennessee HOPE access grant has achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 at the end of the semester in which the student has attempted twenty-four (24) semester hours, then the student shall be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship. If the student meets the requirements of § 49-4-915(a)(2) , the student shall be eligible for an ASPIRE award.
(2) If a student receiving a Tennessee HOPE access grant does not achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 at the end of the semester in which the student has attempted twenty-four (24) semester hours, but the student, without financial assistance from lottery proceeds, continues to attend an eligible postsecondary institution and meets the requirements of § 49-4-911(a)(1) at the end of the semester in which the student has attempted forty-eight (48), seventy-two (72), ninety-six (96) or any subsequent multiple of twenty-four (24) semester hours or the requirements of § 49-4-911(a)(2) at the end of forty-eight (48) semester hours or at the end of any subsequent semester, then the student shall be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship if the student meets all other applicable requirements. If, at that time, the student meets the requirements of § 49-4-915(a)(2) , the student shall be eligible for an ASPIRE award.
(f) A student may receive a Tennessee HOPE scholarship after having received a Tennessee HOPE access grant until the first of the following events: (1) The student has earned an advanced degree; or (2) Five (5) years have passed from the date of the student's initial enrollment at any postsecondary institution.
(1) The student has earned an advanced degree; or
(2) Five (5) years have passed from the date of the student's initial enrollment at any postsecondary institution.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 368, s 9, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, Secs.s 40, s 41 eff. 8/1/2020.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 39, eff. 8/1/2020.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 328, s 4, eff. 5/9/2017.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 900, s 8, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 2003 , ch. 298, § 1; 2004, ch. 840, §§ 16, 24, 25; 2004, ch. 881, §§ 6, 7; 2005, ch. 481, §§ 3, 11 - 13, 17, 29; 2008 , ch. 1142, §§ 5, 9; 2011 , ch. 437, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-16-103 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 16 / Section 49-16-103
Use of funds
Status: in_force

(a) LEAs are authorized to use Tennessee investment in student achievement formula (TISA) funds in the implementation and operation of virtual education programs. (b) The department of education and local education agencies may apply for and receive grants and accept donations to help fund virtual education programs, particularly in the startup phase. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 74, eff. 7/1/2023. Acts 2008 , ch. 1096, § 4.
(a) LEAs are authorized to use Tennessee investment in student achievement formula (TISA) funds in the implementation and operation of virtual education programs.
(b) The department of education and local education agencies may apply for and receive grants and accept donations to help fund virtual education programs, particularly in the startup phase.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 74, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 2008 , ch. 1096, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-814 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-814
Rules and regulations
Status: in_force

The commissioner of education is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this part and § 49-6-4301(c)-(e) . All such rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Acts 2007 , ch. 548, § 16.
The commissioner of education is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this part and § 49-6-4301(c)-(e) . All such rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Acts 2007 , ch. 548, § 16.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-916 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-916
Merit scholarship
Status: in_force

(a) To be eligible for a general assembly merit scholarship as an entering freshman, a student must: (1) Meet all requirements for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship; (2) Achieve a final high school grade point average of at least 3.75; and (3) Attain a composite ACT score of at least 29 on any single ACT test date or a concordant equivalent score on the SAT on any single SAT test date. (b) To be eligible for a general assembly merit scholarship as an entering freshman, a student who completes high school in a Tennessee home school program after December 1, 2003, or who graduates from a high school located in Tennessee that is not an eligible high school after December 1, 2003, shall: (1) Meet all requirements for a Tennessee Hope scholarship that are applicable to the student; (2) Attain a composite ACT score of at least 29 on any single ACT test date or a concordant equivalent score on the SAT on any single SAT test date; (3) During the course of a home school program or while attending an ineligible high school: (A) Enroll in at least four (4) dual enrollment courses totaling at least twelve (12) semester hours credit at an eligible postsecondary institution and achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0; (B) Participate in a governor's school program, and achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0; (C) Take two (2) Advanced Placement (AP) examinations, and make a score of at least three (3); or (D) Take one (1) College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) test, and make a score of at least fifty-five (55); (4) Apply for a general assembly merit scholarship; and (5) Be admitted to and enroll in an eligible postsecondary institution no later than sixteen (16) months after completing high school in a Tennessee home school program, or graduating from high school. (c) A student, who receives a general assembly merit scholarship as an entering freshman shall continue to be eligible for a general assembly merit scholarship, if the student meets all requirements of § 49-4-911 for continuation of a Tennessee HOPE scholarship. (d) If a student receiving a general assembly merit scholarship ceases to be academically eligible for the general assembly merit scholarship, by failing to maintain the required cumulative grade point average at the end of any semester in which academic eligibility is reviewed under § 49-4-911 , then the student may regain the Tennessee HOPE scholarship award under § 49-4-911(b) , but may not regain the general assembly merit scholar supplemental award. If a student receiving a general assembly merit scholarship ceases to be eligible for a general assembly merit scholarship at any time, for any reason other than failure to maintain the required cumulative grade point average, then the student shall not be able to regain either the Tennessee HOPE scholarship or the general assembly merit scholar supplemental award. (e) A student who meets the requirements for a general assembly merit scholarship shall receive a Tennessee HOPE scholarship award under § 49-4-914 and a general assembly merit scholar supplemental award. The general assembly merit scholar supplemental award for full-time students shall be determined in accordance with § 4-51-111 and shall be set in the general appropriations act. Both the Tennessee HOPE scholarship award and the general assembly merit scholar supplemental award are subject to the amounts appropriated by the general assembly and any law relating to a shortfall in funds available for postsecondary financial assistance from the net proceeds of the state lottery. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 37, eff. 8/1/2020. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 328, s 3, eff. 5/9/2017. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 943, Secs.s 1, s 2 eff. 4/27/2016. Acts 2003 , ch. 298, § 1; 2004, ch. 840, §§ 14, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28; 2004, ch. 881, §§ 3, 4, 5; 2005, ch. 481, §§ 9, 10, 16.
(a) To be eligible for a general assembly merit scholarship as an entering freshman, a student must: (1) Meet all requirements for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship; (2) Achieve a final high school grade point average of at least 3.75; and (3) Attain a composite ACT score of at least 29 on any single ACT test date or a concordant equivalent score on the SAT on any single SAT test date.
(1) Meet all requirements for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship;
(2) Achieve a final high school grade point average of at least 3.75; and
(3) Attain a composite ACT score of at least 29 on any single ACT test date or a concordant equivalent score on the SAT on any single SAT test date.
(b) To be eligible for a general assembly merit scholarship as an entering freshman, a student who completes high school in a Tennessee home school program after December 1, 2003, or who graduates from a high school located in Tennessee that is not an eligible high school after December 1, 2003, shall: (1) Meet all requirements for a Tennessee Hope scholarship that are applicable to the student; (2) Attain a composite ACT score of at least 29 on any single ACT test date or a concordant equivalent score on the SAT on any single SAT test date; (3) During the course of a home school program or while attending an ineligible high school: (A) Enroll in at least four (4) dual enrollment courses totaling at least twelve (12) semester hours credit at an eligible postsecondary institution and achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0; (B) Participate in a governor's school program, and achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0; (C) Take two (2) Advanced Placement (AP) examinations, and make a score of at least three (3); or (D) Take one (1) College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) test, and make a score of at least fifty-five (55); (4) Apply for a general assembly merit scholarship; and (5) Be admitted to and enroll in an eligible postsecondary institution no later than sixteen (16) months after completing high school in a Tennessee home school program, or graduating from high school.
(1) Meet all requirements for a Tennessee Hope scholarship that are applicable to the student;
(2) Attain a composite ACT score of at least 29 on any single ACT test date or a concordant equivalent score on the SAT on any single SAT test date;
(3) During the course of a home school program or while attending an ineligible high school: (A) Enroll in at least four (4) dual enrollment courses totaling at least twelve (12) semester hours credit at an eligible postsecondary institution and achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0; (B) Participate in a governor's school program, and achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0; (C) Take two (2) Advanced Placement (AP) examinations, and make a score of at least three (3); or (D) Take one (1) College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) test, and make a score of at least fifty-five (55);
(A) Enroll in at least four (4) dual enrollment courses totaling at least twelve (12) semester hours credit at an eligible postsecondary institution and achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0;
(B) Participate in a governor's school program, and achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0;
(C) Take two (2) Advanced Placement (AP) examinations, and make a score of at least three (3); or
(D) Take one (1) College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) test, and make a score of at least fifty-five (55);
(4) Apply for a general assembly merit scholarship; and
(5) Be admitted to and enroll in an eligible postsecondary institution no later than sixteen (16) months after completing high school in a Tennessee home school program, or graduating from high school.
(c) A student, who receives a general assembly merit scholarship as an entering freshman shall continue to be eligible for a general assembly merit scholarship, if the student meets all requirements of § 49-4-911 for continuation of a Tennessee HOPE scholarship.
(d) If a student receiving a general assembly merit scholarship ceases to be academically eligible for the general assembly merit scholarship, by failing to maintain the required cumulative grade point average at the end of any semester in which academic eligibility is reviewed under § 49-4-911 , then the student may regain the Tennessee HOPE scholarship award under § 49-4-911(b) , but may not regain the general assembly merit scholar supplemental award. If a student receiving a general assembly merit scholarship ceases to be eligible for a general assembly merit scholarship at any time, for any reason other than failure to maintain the required cumulative grade point average, then the student shall not be able to regain either the Tennessee HOPE scholarship or the general assembly merit scholar supplemental award.
(e) A student who meets the requirements for a general assembly merit scholarship shall receive a Tennessee HOPE scholarship award under § 49-4-914 and a general assembly merit scholar supplemental award. The general assembly merit scholar supplemental award for full-time students shall be determined in accordance with § 4-51-111 and shall be set in the general appropriations act. Both the Tennessee HOPE scholarship award and the general assembly merit scholar supplemental award are subject to the amounts appropriated by the general assembly and any law relating to a shortfall in funds available for postsecondary financial assistance from the net proceeds of the state lottery.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 37, eff. 8/1/2020.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 328, s 3, eff. 5/9/2017.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 943, Secs.s 1, s 2 eff. 4/27/2016.
Acts 2003 , ch. 298, § 1; 2004, ch. 840, §§ 14, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28; 2004, ch. 881, §§ 3, 4, 5; 2005, ch. 481, §§ 9, 10, 16.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-413 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-413
Voluntary participation in community service
Status: in_force

(a) A student attending a public high school is encouraged to participate voluntarily in at least ten (10) hours of community service each semester that the student is in attendance. The community service shall comply with the rules promulgated by the state board of education under subsection (c). (b) The public high school from which a student who participated each semester of attendance in community service that meets the specifications of subsection (a) graduates shall recognize the student's achievement at graduation by awarding a certificate of service, placing an appropriate designation on the student's diploma or other credential, providing a ribbon or cord to be worn with the graduation regalia, or recognizing the community service in another suitable manner. (c) The state board of education shall promulgate rules to effectuate the purposes of this section. The rules shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 831,s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
(a) A student attending a public high school is encouraged to participate voluntarily in at least ten (10) hours of community service each semester that the student is in attendance. The community service shall comply with the rules promulgated by the state board of education under subsection (c).
(b) The public high school from which a student who participated each semester of attendance in community service that meets the specifications of subsection (a) graduates shall recognize the student's achievement at graduation by awarding a certificate of service, placing an appropriate designation on the student's diploma or other credential, providing a ribbon or cord to be worn with the graduation regalia, or recognizing the community service in another suitable manner.
(c) The state board of education shall promulgate rules to effectuate the purposes of this section. The rules shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 831,s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2009 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2009
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 17, eff. 7/1/2022. Acts 1961, ch. 112, § 10; 1974, ch. 781, § 10; T.C.A., § 49-3910; Acts 1989, ch. 425, § 10.
Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 17, eff. 7/1/2022.
Acts 1961, ch. 112, § 10; 1974, ch. 781, § 10; T.C.A., § 49-3910; Acts 1989, ch. 425, § 10.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-11-909 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 49-11-909
Credits for work-based learning program
Status: in_force

In a work-based learning program, a maximum of six (6) credits may be earned in one (1) school year. At least one (1) credit must be earned through related classroom experience, which must include a minimum of two (2) periods per week of classroom instruction. A minimum of five (5) hours per week of supervised work experience is required for each additional credit earned. Students earning credits for work experience must be supervised by a certified work-based learning coordinator. Work-based learning programs must adhere to all state and federal child labor laws. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 543,s 1, eff. 3/7/2024. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 946, s 2, eff. 4/29/2022.
In a work-based learning program, a maximum of six (6) credits may be earned in one (1) school year. At least one (1) credit must be earned through related classroom experience, which must include a minimum of two (2) periods per week of classroom instruction. A minimum of five (5) hours per week of supervised work experience is required for each additional credit earned. Students earning credits for work experience must be supervised by a certified work-based learning coordinator. Work-based learning programs must adhere to all state and federal child labor laws.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 543,s 1, eff. 3/7/2024.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 946, s 2, eff. 4/29/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-104 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-104
Voluntary pre-kindergarten program that serves at-risk children - Enrollment - Requirements of programs
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this part, "at-risk children" means: (1) Children who are: (A) Four (4) years of age on or before August 15; and (B) Members of families with incomes that meet the eligibility requirements for free or reduced-price lunch as determined pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1771 ; or (2) Dependent children, as defined by § 49-7-102(c) , who are four (4) years of age on or before August 15, whose parent was killed; died as a direct result of injuries received or has been officially reported as being either a prisoner of war or missing in action while serving honorably as a member of the United States armed forces during a qualifying period of armed conflict as defined by § 49-7-102(c) ; or was formerly a prisoner of war or missing in action under such circumstances, who can present: (A) Official certification from the United States government that the parent veteran was killed or died as a direct result of injuries received while serving honorably as a member of the United States armed forces during a qualifying period of armed conflict; or (B) Official certification from the United States government that the parent veteran has been officially reported as being a prisoner of war or missing in action while serving honorably as a member of the United States armed forces during a qualifying period of armed conflict or was formerly a prisoner of war or missing in action under such circumstances as appropriate within one hundred eighty (180) days prior to applying for services under this section. (b) An LEA may establish a voluntary pre-kindergarten program that serves at-risk children residing in the geographic area served by the LEA in accordance with this section. A voluntary pre-kindergarten program must be designed to comprehensively address the educational needs of children who are not otherwise eligible for similar programs or who do not have access to a pre-kindergarten program that includes, but is not limited to, the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional needs of children participating in the program. (c) (1) The department shall establish an initial enrollment deadline that an LEA must use to determine if a voluntary pre-kindergarten classroom provided by the LEA has space available to enroll students in addition to at-risk children residing in the geographic area served by the LEA. (2) If the number of at-risk children seeking to enroll in an LEA's voluntary pre-kindergarten program on the date of the initial enrollment deadline does not meet the maximum class size of the pre-kindergarten classroom provided by the LEA as part of the LEA's voluntary pre-kindergarten program, then the LEA may enroll children who are not at-risk children, but who reside within the geographic area served by the LEA and who are: (A) Four (4) years of age, with or without a disability, on or before August 15; (B) Three (3) years of age on or before August 15 and: (i) Who have been in the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS); or (ii) Who are screened and identified as educationally at-risk, as determined pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.); or (C) Three (3) years of age on or before August 15, who are members of families with incomes that meet the eligibility requirements for free or reduced-price lunch, as determined pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1771 . (d) A voluntary pre-kindergarten program established pursuant to this section must: (1) Consist of a maximum class size of twenty (20); (2) Have at least one (1) licensed teacher per classroom who is certified in early childhood education; (3) Have at least one (1) educational assistant per classroom who holds a child development associate credential or associate degree in early childhood education, or who is actively working toward acquiring such credentials; provided, however, that if a person with such credentials is unavailable, then educational assistants who hold a high school diploma and who have relevant experience working with children in pre-kindergarten or other early childhood programs may be employed to satisfy this requirement; (4) Provide a minimum of five and one-half (5.5) hours of quality instructional time per day; (5) Use an educational, age-appropriate curriculum that is aligned with the early learning standards approved by the department of education and that includes, at a minimum, literacy, writing, math, and science skills; (6) Have a developmental learning program that addresses the cognitive, physical, emotional, social, and communication areas of child development; (7) Meet the criteria for a "high quality pre-kindergarten program," as identified by the department of education; and (8) Comply with the state board of education's rules and policies related to early childhood education and pre-kindergarten programs. (e) Enrollment in a voluntary pre-kindergarten program is voluntary. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 957, s 2, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 703, s 2, eff. 4/6/2016. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 85, s 1, eff. 4/8/2013. Acts 2005, ch. 312, § 1.
(a) As used in this part, "at-risk children" means: (1) Children who are: (A) Four (4) years of age on or before August 15; and (B) Members of families with incomes that meet the eligibility requirements for free or reduced-price lunch as determined pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1771 ; or (2) Dependent children, as defined by § 49-7-102(c) , who are four (4) years of age on or before August 15, whose parent was killed; died as a direct result of injuries received or has been officially reported as being either a prisoner of war or missing in action while serving honorably as a member of the United States armed forces during a qualifying period of armed conflict as defined by § 49-7-102(c) ; or was formerly a prisoner of war or missing in action under such circumstances, who can present: (A) Official certification from the United States government that the parent veteran was killed or died as a direct result of injuries received while serving honorably as a member of the United States armed forces during a qualifying period of armed conflict; or (B) Official certification from the United States government that the parent veteran has been officially reported as being a prisoner of war or missing in action while serving honorably as a member of the United States armed forces during a qualifying period of armed conflict or was formerly a prisoner of war or missing in action under such circumstances as appropriate within one hundred eighty (180) days prior to applying for services under this section.
(1) Children who are: (A) Four (4) years of age on or before August 15; and (B) Members of families with incomes that meet the eligibility requirements for free or reduced-price lunch as determined pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1771 ; or
(A) Four (4) years of age on or before August 15; and
(B) Members of families with incomes that meet the eligibility requirements for free or reduced-price lunch as determined pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1771 ; or
(2) Dependent children, as defined by § 49-7-102(c) , who are four (4) years of age on or before August 15, whose parent was killed; died as a direct result of injuries received or has been officially reported as being either a prisoner of war or missing in action while serving honorably as a member of the United States armed forces during a qualifying period of armed conflict as defined by § 49-7-102(c) ; or was formerly a prisoner of war or missing in action under such circumstances, who can present: (A) Official certification from the United States government that the parent veteran was killed or died as a direct result of injuries received while serving honorably as a member of the United States armed forces during a qualifying period of armed conflict; or (B) Official certification from the United States government that the parent veteran has been officially reported as being a prisoner of war or missing in action while serving honorably as a member of the United States armed forces during a qualifying period of armed conflict or was formerly a prisoner of war or missing in action under such circumstances as appropriate within one hundred eighty (180) days prior to applying for services under this section.
(A) Official certification from the United States government that the parent veteran was killed or died as a direct result of injuries received while serving honorably as a member of the United States armed forces during a qualifying period of armed conflict; or
(B) Official certification from the United States government that the parent veteran has been officially reported as being a prisoner of war or missing in action while serving honorably as a member of the United States armed forces during a qualifying period of armed conflict or was formerly a prisoner of war or missing in action under such circumstances as appropriate within one hundred eighty (180) days prior to applying for services under this section.
(b) An LEA may establish a voluntary pre-kindergarten program that serves at-risk children residing in the geographic area served by the LEA in accordance with this section. A voluntary pre-kindergarten program must be designed to comprehensively address the educational needs of children who are not otherwise eligible for similar programs or who do not have access to a pre-kindergarten program that includes, but is not limited to, the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional needs of children participating in the program.
(c) (1) The department shall establish an initial enrollment deadline that an LEA must use to determine if a voluntary pre-kindergarten classroom provided by the LEA has space available to enroll students in addition to at-risk children residing in the geographic area served by the LEA. (2) If the number of at-risk children seeking to enroll in an LEA's voluntary pre-kindergarten program on the date of the initial enrollment deadline does not meet the maximum class size of the pre-kindergarten classroom provided by the LEA as part of the LEA's voluntary pre-kindergarten program, then the LEA may enroll children who are not at-risk children, but who reside within the geographic area served by the LEA and who are: (A) Four (4) years of age, with or without a disability, on or before August 15; (B) Three (3) years of age on or before August 15 and: (i) Who have been in the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS); or (ii) Who are screened and identified as educationally at-risk, as determined pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.); or (C) Three (3) years of age on or before August 15, who are members of families with incomes that meet the eligibility requirements for free or reduced-price lunch, as determined pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1771 .
(1) The department shall establish an initial enrollment deadline that an LEA must use to determine if a voluntary pre-kindergarten classroom provided by the LEA has space available to enroll students in addition to at-risk children residing in the geographic area served by the LEA.
(2) If the number of at-risk children seeking to enroll in an LEA's voluntary pre-kindergarten program on the date of the initial enrollment deadline does not meet the maximum class size of the pre-kindergarten classroom provided by the LEA as part of the LEA's voluntary pre-kindergarten program, then the LEA may enroll children who are not at-risk children, but who reside within the geographic area served by the LEA and who are: (A) Four (4) years of age, with or without a disability, on or before August 15; (B) Three (3) years of age on or before August 15 and: (i) Who have been in the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS); or (ii) Who are screened and identified as educationally at-risk, as determined pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.); or (C) Three (3) years of age on or before August 15, who are members of families with incomes that meet the eligibility requirements for free or reduced-price lunch, as determined pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1771 .
(A) Four (4) years of age, with or without a disability, on or before August 15;
(B) Three (3) years of age on or before August 15 and: (i) Who have been in the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS); or (ii) Who are screened and identified as educationally at-risk, as determined pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.); or
(i) Who have been in the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS); or
(ii) Who are screened and identified as educationally at-risk, as determined pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.); or
(C) Three (3) years of age on or before August 15, who are members of families with incomes that meet the eligibility requirements for free or reduced-price lunch, as determined pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1771 .
(d) A voluntary pre-kindergarten program established pursuant to this section must: (1) Consist of a maximum class size of twenty (20); (2) Have at least one (1) licensed teacher per classroom who is certified in early childhood education; (3) Have at least one (1) educational assistant per classroom who holds a child development associate credential or associate degree in early childhood education, or who is actively working toward acquiring such credentials; provided, however, that if a person with such credentials is unavailable, then educational assistants who hold a high school diploma and who have relevant experience working with children in pre-kindergarten or other early childhood programs may be employed to satisfy this requirement; (4) Provide a minimum of five and one-half (5.5) hours of quality instructional time per day; (5) Use an educational, age-appropriate curriculum that is aligned with the early learning standards approved by the department of education and that includes, at a minimum, literacy, writing, math, and science skills; (6) Have a developmental learning program that addresses the cognitive, physical, emotional, social, and communication areas of child development; (7) Meet the criteria for a "high quality pre-kindergarten program," as identified by the department of education; and (8) Comply with the state board of education's rules and policies related to early childhood education and pre-kindergarten programs.
(1) Consist of a maximum class size of twenty (20);
(2) Have at least one (1) licensed teacher per classroom who is certified in early childhood education;
(3) Have at least one (1) educational assistant per classroom who holds a child development associate credential or associate degree in early childhood education, or who is actively working toward acquiring such credentials; provided, however, that if a person with such credentials is unavailable, then educational assistants who hold a high school diploma and who have relevant experience working with children in pre-kindergarten or other early childhood programs may be employed to satisfy this requirement;
(4) Provide a minimum of five and one-half (5.5) hours of quality instructional time per day;
(5) Use an educational, age-appropriate curriculum that is aligned with the early learning standards approved by the department of education and that includes, at a minimum, literacy, writing, math, and science skills;
(6) Have a developmental learning program that addresses the cognitive, physical, emotional, social, and communication areas of child development;
(7) Meet the criteria for a "high quality pre-kindergarten program," as identified by the department of education; and
(8) Comply with the state board of education's rules and policies related to early childhood education and pre-kindergarten programs.
(e) Enrollment in a voluntary pre-kindergarten program is voluntary.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 957, s 2, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 703, s 2, eff. 4/6/2016.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 85, s 1, eff. 4/8/2013.
Acts 2005, ch. 312, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-1008 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-1008
Deaf mentor and parent advisor program
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The Tennessee School for the Deaf, together with the West Tennessee School for the Deaf, shall maintain a deaf mentor and parent advisor program to assist families in implementing bilingual and bicultural home-based programming for young children who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind. (2) The program must be available at: (A) The West Tennessee School for the Deaf in Jackson; (B) The Tennessee School for the Deaf, Knoxville campus; and (C) The Tennessee School for the Deaf, Nashville campus. (3) The program must focus on: (A) Preventing language deprivation or gaps through insufficient language access; (B) Providing a positive impact on a child's social and emotional development through a deaf role model and on a parent's emotional journey of having a deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind child through a parent advisor; and (C) Ensuring that children who are deaf have equal access to learning opportunities at home and in the community. (4) The program must use a deaf mentor curriculum. (5) The program must provide hearing parents of children who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind with the option of using a deaf mentor to expose the parents' children to American Sign Language and deaf culture and the option of using a parent advisor to expose the parents' children to listening and spoken English strategies and accessibility, allowing the children to grow and learn in a bilingual and bicultural milieu of hearing and deaf cultures instead of limiting the children's exposure to a signed or spoken English-only environment and the hearing culture of the children's families. (b) Deaf mentors and parent advisors shall: (1) Make regular visits to the homes of young children who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind; (2) Interact with the children and their families using American Sign Language and spoken English; (3) Demonstrate American Sign Language and listening and spoken English techniques to family members; and (4) Help families understand and appreciate deafness and deaf culture, as well as support them in understanding how to provide accommodations and access to communication. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 327, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Acts 2019, ch. 500, § 1.
(a) (1) The Tennessee School for the Deaf, together with the West Tennessee School for the Deaf, shall maintain a deaf mentor and parent advisor program to assist families in implementing bilingual and bicultural home-based programming for young children who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind. (2) The program must be available at: (A) The West Tennessee School for the Deaf in Jackson; (B) The Tennessee School for the Deaf, Knoxville campus; and (C) The Tennessee School for the Deaf, Nashville campus. (3) The program must focus on: (A) Preventing language deprivation or gaps through insufficient language access; (B) Providing a positive impact on a child's social and emotional development through a deaf role model and on a parent's emotional journey of having a deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind child through a parent advisor; and (C) Ensuring that children who are deaf have equal access to learning opportunities at home and in the community. (4) The program must use a deaf mentor curriculum. (5) The program must provide hearing parents of children who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind with the option of using a deaf mentor to expose the parents' children to American Sign Language and deaf culture and the option of using a parent advisor to expose the parents' children to listening and spoken English strategies and accessibility, allowing the children to grow and learn in a bilingual and bicultural milieu of hearing and deaf cultures instead of limiting the children's exposure to a signed or spoken English-only environment and the hearing culture of the children's families.
(1) The Tennessee School for the Deaf, together with the West Tennessee School for the Deaf, shall maintain a deaf mentor and parent advisor program to assist families in implementing bilingual and bicultural home-based programming for young children who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind.
(2) The program must be available at: (A) The West Tennessee School for the Deaf in Jackson; (B) The Tennessee School for the Deaf, Knoxville campus; and (C) The Tennessee School for the Deaf, Nashville campus.
(A) The West Tennessee School for the Deaf in Jackson;
(B) The Tennessee School for the Deaf, Knoxville campus; and
(C) The Tennessee School for the Deaf, Nashville campus.
(3) The program must focus on: (A) Preventing language deprivation or gaps through insufficient language access; (B) Providing a positive impact on a child's social and emotional development through a deaf role model and on a parent's emotional journey of having a deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind child through a parent advisor; and (C) Ensuring that children who are deaf have equal access to learning opportunities at home and in the community.
(A) Preventing language deprivation or gaps through insufficient language access;
(B) Providing a positive impact on a child's social and emotional development through a deaf role model and on a parent's emotional journey of having a deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind child through a parent advisor; and
(C) Ensuring that children who are deaf have equal access to learning opportunities at home and in the community.
(4) The program must use a deaf mentor curriculum.
(5) The program must provide hearing parents of children who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind with the option of using a deaf mentor to expose the parents' children to American Sign Language and deaf culture and the option of using a parent advisor to expose the parents' children to listening and spoken English strategies and accessibility, allowing the children to grow and learn in a bilingual and bicultural milieu of hearing and deaf cultures instead of limiting the children's exposure to a signed or spoken English-only environment and the hearing culture of the children's families.
(b) Deaf mentors and parent advisors shall: (1) Make regular visits to the homes of young children who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind; (2) Interact with the children and their families using American Sign Language and spoken English; (3) Demonstrate American Sign Language and listening and spoken English techniques to family members; and (4) Help families understand and appreciate deafness and deaf culture, as well as support them in understanding how to provide accommodations and access to communication.
(1) Make regular visits to the homes of young children who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind;
(2) Interact with the children and their families using American Sign Language and spoken English;
(3) Demonstrate American Sign Language and listening and spoken English techniques to family members; and
(4) Help families understand and appreciate deafness and deaf culture, as well as support them in understanding how to provide accommodations and access to communication.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 327, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 2019, ch. 500, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-801 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-801
Short title
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee College Savings Trust Act." Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 400,s 5, eff. 7/1/2017. Acts 1995, ch. 388, § 1; 1996, ch. 991, § 1.
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee College Savings Trust Act."
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 400,s 5, eff. 7/1/2017.
Acts 1995, ch. 388, § 1; 1996, ch. 991, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-402 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-402
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 15, eff. 8/1/2020. Acts 1974, ch. 620, § 7; T.C.A., § 49-5007; Acts 1982, ch. 861, § 3; T.C.A., § 49-50-107 .
Repealed by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 15, eff. 8/1/2020.
Acts 1974, ch. 620, § 7; T.C.A., § 49-5007; Acts 1982, ch. 861, § 3; T.C.A., § 49-50-107 .
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-513 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-513
Judicial review
Status: in_force

(a) A tenured teacher who is dismissed or suspended by action of the board pursuant to § 49-5-512(c)(3) , or suspended by action of the director pursuant to § 49-5-512(d)(4) , may petition for a writ of certiorari from the chancery court of the county where the teacher is employed. (b) The petition shall be filed within thirty (30) days from the receipt by the teacher of notice of the decision of the board. The petition shall state briefly the issues involved in the cause, the substance of the order of the board, or the respects in which the petitioner claims the order of the board is erroneous, and praying for an accordant review. The petition shall be addressed to the presiding chancellor and shall name as defendants the members of the board and such other parties of record, if such, as were involved in the hearing before the board. (c) The petitioner shall give bond for costs as in other chancery suits or oaths of paupers in lieu. (d) Upon the filing of the petition, the clerk and master shall immediately send, by registered return receipt mail, to the chair of the board, a notice of the filing of the petition and a certified copy of the petition. The clerk shall also send a similar notice to the last known post office address of each other party named as defendant. In lieu of notice by registered mail, subpoena to answer may be served personally on each defendant, as in other chancery cases. (e) The filing of the petition shall suspend the order of the board pending a decision by the chancellor, but the teacher shall not be permitted to return to teaching pending final disposition of the appeal. (f) All defendants named in the petition desiring to make defense shall do so by answer, in which grounds of demurrer shall be incorporated, to the petition within thirty (30) days from the date of the filing of the petition, unless the time be extended by the court. Any other person who may be affected by the decision to be made by the court may, upon proper leave given, intervene and file an answer in the cause. Amendments may be granted as in other chancery procedures. (g) The cause shall stand for trial and shall be heard and determined at the earliest practical date, as one having precedence over other litigation, except suits involving state, county or municipal revenue. The review of the court shall be limited to the written record of the hearing before the board and any evidence or exhibits submitted at the hearing. Additional evidence or testimony shall not be admitted except as to establish arbitrary or capricious action or violation of statutory or constitutional rights by the board. (h) The chancellor shall reduce the chancellor's findings of fact and conclusions of law to writing and make them parts of the record. (i) Any party dissatisfied with the decree of the court may appeal as provided by the Tennessee rules of appellate procedure, where the cause shall be heard on the transcript of the record from the chancery court. Acts 1951, ch. 76, § 17 (Williams, § 2345.17); Acts 1981, ch. 449, § 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1417; Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 83; 1992, ch. 952, § 6; 2012 , ch. 801, § 3.
(a) A tenured teacher who is dismissed or suspended by action of the board pursuant to § 49-5-512(c)(3) , or suspended by action of the director pursuant to § 49-5-512(d)(4) , may petition for a writ of certiorari from the chancery court of the county where the teacher is employed.
(b) The petition shall be filed within thirty (30) days from the receipt by the teacher of notice of the decision of the board. The petition shall state briefly the issues involved in the cause, the substance of the order of the board, or the respects in which the petitioner claims the order of the board is erroneous, and praying for an accordant review. The petition shall be addressed to the presiding chancellor and shall name as defendants the members of the board and such other parties of record, if such, as were involved in the hearing before the board.
(c) The petitioner shall give bond for costs as in other chancery suits or oaths of paupers in lieu.
(d) Upon the filing of the petition, the clerk and master shall immediately send, by registered return receipt mail, to the chair of the board, a notice of the filing of the petition and a certified copy of the petition. The clerk shall also send a similar notice to the last known post office address of each other party named as defendant. In lieu of notice by registered mail, subpoena to answer may be served personally on each defendant, as in other chancery cases.
(e) The filing of the petition shall suspend the order of the board pending a decision by the chancellor, but the teacher shall not be permitted to return to teaching pending final disposition of the appeal.
(f) All defendants named in the petition desiring to make defense shall do so by answer, in which grounds of demurrer shall be incorporated, to the petition within thirty (30) days from the date of the filing of the petition, unless the time be extended by the court. Any other person who may be affected by the decision to be made by the court may, upon proper leave given, intervene and file an answer in the cause. Amendments may be granted as in other chancery procedures.
(g) The cause shall stand for trial and shall be heard and determined at the earliest practical date, as one having precedence over other litigation, except suits involving state, county or municipal revenue. The review of the court shall be limited to the written record of the hearing before the board and any evidence or exhibits submitted at the hearing. Additional evidence or testimony shall not be admitted except as to establish arbitrary or capricious action or violation of statutory or constitutional rights by the board.
(h) The chancellor shall reduce the chancellor's findings of fact and conclusions of law to writing and make them parts of the record.
(i) Any party dissatisfied with the decree of the court may appeal as provided by the Tennessee rules of appellate procedure, where the cause shall be heard on the transcript of the record from the chancery court.
Acts 1951, ch. 76, § 17 (Williams, § 2345.17); Acts 1981, ch. 449, § 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1417; Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 83; 1992, ch. 952, § 6; 2012 , ch. 801, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-303 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-303
LEA employees - Service on state boards without loss of compensation or benefits
Status: in_force

(a) If any statute creating a state board, commission or committee specifies or authorizes an employee of an LEA to serve as a member, then the employee shall be eligible to serve on the state board, commission or committee without the loss of compensation, annual leave, sick leave, compensatory time or any other benefit accorded to the teacher or employee as part of the teacher's or employee's employment by the respective LEA. (b) This section applies to, but is not limited to, §§ 8-27-301 , 8-34-302 , 49-1-301 , and 49-6-2201 . (c) Any additional costs incurred by LEAs as a result of the implementation of subsection (a) shall be reimbursed from funds apportioned as state-shared taxes to county and municipal governments, as set out in § 9-4-5301 . Acts 1993, ch. 487, § 2.
(a) If any statute creating a state board, commission or committee specifies or authorizes an employee of an LEA to serve as a member, then the employee shall be eligible to serve on the state board, commission or committee without the loss of compensation, annual leave, sick leave, compensatory time or any other benefit accorded to the teacher or employee as part of the teacher's or employee's employment by the respective LEA.
(b) This section applies to, but is not limited to, §§ 8-27-301 , 8-34-302 , 49-1-301 , and 49-6-2201 .
(c) Any additional costs incurred by LEAs as a result of the implementation of subsection (a) shall be reimbursed from funds apportioned as state-shared taxes to county and municipal governments, as set out in § 9-4-5301 .
Acts 1993, ch. 487, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-406 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-406
Employment application, offer and acceptance
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Each local board of education or director of schools, as appropriate, shall require all persons applying for a position as a teacher as defined in § 49-5-501 , or for any other position requiring proximity to school children, to file, in writing, in advance of employment, on forms supplied by the commissioner of education or on forms provided by the local board of education or director of schools, as appropriate, an application stating whether the applicant: (A) Has been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony in this state or in any other state; (B) Has been dismissed for any of the causes enumerated in § 49-2-203 or § 49-5-511 ; and (C) Has or will provide a copy of a written resignation to the most recent local board where the person was employed at least thirty (30) days prior to the beginning date of the person's employment with the board to which application is being made; provided, that the thirty-day notice may be waived by the local board or director of schools, as appropriate, from which the person is resigning employment. The employing local board or director of schools, as appropriate, may rely upon the information submitted in writing by the applicant relative to the applicant's contractual or resignation status as being valid and accurate to meet the requirements of this section. (2) (A) Knowingly falsifying information required by subdivision (a)(1) shall be sufficient grounds for termination of employment and shall also constitute a Class A misdemeanor that must be reported to the district attorney general for prosecution. (B) The provisions of subdivision (a)(2)(A) shall be conspicuously displayed on forms supplied for implementation of subdivision (a)(1). (C) Language conspicuously displayed on such forms shall also advise applicants that the accuracy of the information may be verified by fingerprint and criminal history records check conducted by the Tennessee bureau of investigation pursuant to § 49-5-413(a) . (3) Subdivision (a)(1) shall not be construed or implemented to compel disclosure of a parking or moving traffic violation if the maximum sanction provided by law for the violation does not include a period of confinement. (b) (1) Upon the initial employment of a teacher, the local board of education or the director of schools, as appropriate, shall notify the person, in writing, of the person's employment and the conditions of employment. (2) Upon receipt of the employment notification, the person must accept or reject, in writing, the offer of employment: (A) Within fourteen (14) calendar days, if the offer was made between April 1 and June 1, including offers of employment made on April 1, but excluding offers of employment made on June 1; or (B) Within five (5) business days, if the offer was made between June 1 and April 1, including offers of employment made on June 1, but excluding offers of employment made on April 1. (3) From the date of the written acceptance, the person is considered to be under employment with the local board of education or the director of schools, as appropriate, and is subject to all rights, privileges, and duties of this title. (4) As used in this subsection (b), "business day" means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. For purposes of computing the time within which a person must respond to an employment notification under subdivision (b)(2)(B), the five-business-day period begins with the first business day after the date on which the person received the employment notification. (c) Each local board of education or director of schools, as appropriate, shall provide a copy of subsections (a) and (b) to each teacher upon the person's initial employment or return from leave. (d) Any person seeking employment in a state educational institution as a director of schools, principal, professor, teacher, tutor, instructor or any other person having in any way the custody and care of students of the public educational institutions of this state is required to make a full disclosure of any prior criminal record and any prior dismissals from employment for cause. A person who violates this subsection (d) commits a Class A misdemeanor. The person shall not be employed and, if employed despite a violation of this subsection (d), shall forfeit office. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 717, s 1, eff. 8/1/2020. Acts 1969, ch. 130, § 1; 1973, ch. 178, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-1317, 49-1318; Acts 1989, ch. 591, §§ 1, 6; 1992, ch. 535, § 22; 1996, ch. 843, § 1.
(a) (1) Each local board of education or director of schools, as appropriate, shall require all persons applying for a position as a teacher as defined in § 49-5-501 , or for any other position requiring proximity to school children, to file, in writing, in advance of employment, on forms supplied by the commissioner of education or on forms provided by the local board of education or director of schools, as appropriate, an application stating whether the applicant: (A) Has been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony in this state or in any other state; (B) Has been dismissed for any of the causes enumerated in § 49-2-203 or § 49-5-511 ; and (C) Has or will provide a copy of a written resignation to the most recent local board where the person was employed at least thirty (30) days prior to the beginning date of the person's employment with the board to which application is being made; provided, that the thirty-day notice may be waived by the local board or director of schools, as appropriate, from which the person is resigning employment. The employing local board or director of schools, as appropriate, may rely upon the information submitted in writing by the applicant relative to the applicant's contractual or resignation status as being valid and accurate to meet the requirements of this section. (2) (A) Knowingly falsifying information required by subdivision (a)(1) shall be sufficient grounds for termination of employment and shall also constitute a Class A misdemeanor that must be reported to the district attorney general for prosecution. (B) The provisions of subdivision (a)(2)(A) shall be conspicuously displayed on forms supplied for implementation of subdivision (a)(1). (C) Language conspicuously displayed on such forms shall also advise applicants that the accuracy of the information may be verified by fingerprint and criminal history records check conducted by the Tennessee bureau of investigation pursuant to § 49-5-413(a) . (3) Subdivision (a)(1) shall not be construed or implemented to compel disclosure of a parking or moving traffic violation if the maximum sanction provided by law for the violation does not include a period of confinement.
(1) Each local board of education or director of schools, as appropriate, shall require all persons applying for a position as a teacher as defined in § 49-5-501 , or for any other position requiring proximity to school children, to file, in writing, in advance of employment, on forms supplied by the commissioner of education or on forms provided by the local board of education or director of schools, as appropriate, an application stating whether the applicant: (A) Has been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony in this state or in any other state; (B) Has been dismissed for any of the causes enumerated in § 49-2-203 or § 49-5-511 ; and (C) Has or will provide a copy of a written resignation to the most recent local board where the person was employed at least thirty (30) days prior to the beginning date of the person's employment with the board to which application is being made; provided, that the thirty-day notice may be waived by the local board or director of schools, as appropriate, from which the person is resigning employment. The employing local board or director of schools, as appropriate, may rely upon the information submitted in writing by the applicant relative to the applicant's contractual or resignation status as being valid and accurate to meet the requirements of this section.
(A) Has been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony in this state or in any other state;
(B) Has been dismissed for any of the causes enumerated in § 49-2-203 or § 49-5-511 ; and
(C) Has or will provide a copy of a written resignation to the most recent local board where the person was employed at least thirty (30) days prior to the beginning date of the person's employment with the board to which application is being made; provided, that the thirty-day notice may be waived by the local board or director of schools, as appropriate, from which the person is resigning employment. The employing local board or director of schools, as appropriate, may rely upon the information submitted in writing by the applicant relative to the applicant's contractual or resignation status as being valid and accurate to meet the requirements of this section.
(2) (A) Knowingly falsifying information required by subdivision (a)(1) shall be sufficient grounds for termination of employment and shall also constitute a Class A misdemeanor that must be reported to the district attorney general for prosecution. (B) The provisions of subdivision (a)(2)(A) shall be conspicuously displayed on forms supplied for implementation of subdivision (a)(1). (C) Language conspicuously displayed on such forms shall also advise applicants that the accuracy of the information may be verified by fingerprint and criminal history records check conducted by the Tennessee bureau of investigation pursuant to § 49-5-413(a) .
(A) Knowingly falsifying information required by subdivision (a)(1) shall be sufficient grounds for termination of employment and shall also constitute a Class A misdemeanor that must be reported to the district attorney general for prosecution.
(B) The provisions of subdivision (a)(2)(A) shall be conspicuously displayed on forms supplied for implementation of subdivision (a)(1).
(C) Language conspicuously displayed on such forms shall also advise applicants that the accuracy of the information may be verified by fingerprint and criminal history records check conducted by the Tennessee bureau of investigation pursuant to § 49-5-413(a) .
(3) Subdivision (a)(1) shall not be construed or implemented to compel disclosure of a parking or moving traffic violation if the maximum sanction provided by law for the violation does not include a period of confinement.
(b) (1) Upon the initial employment of a teacher, the local board of education or the director of schools, as appropriate, shall notify the person, in writing, of the person's employment and the conditions of employment. (2) Upon receipt of the employment notification, the person must accept or reject, in writing, the offer of employment: (A) Within fourteen (14) calendar days, if the offer was made between April 1 and June 1, including offers of employment made on April 1, but excluding offers of employment made on June 1; or (B) Within five (5) business days, if the offer was made between June 1 and April 1, including offers of employment made on June 1, but excluding offers of employment made on April 1. (3) From the date of the written acceptance, the person is considered to be under employment with the local board of education or the director of schools, as appropriate, and is subject to all rights, privileges, and duties of this title. (4) As used in this subsection (b), "business day" means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. For purposes of computing the time within which a person must respond to an employment notification under subdivision (b)(2)(B), the five-business-day period begins with the first business day after the date on which the person received the employment notification.
(1) Upon the initial employment of a teacher, the local board of education or the director of schools, as appropriate, shall notify the person, in writing, of the person's employment and the conditions of employment.
(2) Upon receipt of the employment notification, the person must accept or reject, in writing, the offer of employment: (A) Within fourteen (14) calendar days, if the offer was made between April 1 and June 1, including offers of employment made on April 1, but excluding offers of employment made on June 1; or (B) Within five (5) business days, if the offer was made between June 1 and April 1, including offers of employment made on June 1, but excluding offers of employment made on April 1.
(A) Within fourteen (14) calendar days, if the offer was made between April 1 and June 1, including offers of employment made on April 1, but excluding offers of employment made on June 1; or
(B) Within five (5) business days, if the offer was made between June 1 and April 1, including offers of employment made on June 1, but excluding offers of employment made on April 1.
(3) From the date of the written acceptance, the person is considered to be under employment with the local board of education or the director of schools, as appropriate, and is subject to all rights, privileges, and duties of this title.
(4) As used in this subsection (b), "business day" means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. For purposes of computing the time within which a person must respond to an employment notification under subdivision (b)(2)(B), the five-business-day period begins with the first business day after the date on which the person received the employment notification.
(c) Each local board of education or director of schools, as appropriate, shall provide a copy of subsections (a) and (b) to each teacher upon the person's initial employment or return from leave.
(d) Any person seeking employment in a state educational institution as a director of schools, principal, professor, teacher, tutor, instructor or any other person having in any way the custody and care of students of the public educational institutions of this state is required to make a full disclosure of any prior criminal record and any prior dismissals from employment for cause. A person who violates this subsection (d) commits a Class A misdemeanor. The person shall not be employed and, if employed despite a violation of this subsection (d), shall forfeit office.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 717, s 1, eff. 8/1/2020.
Acts 1969, ch. 130, § 1; 1973, ch. 178, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-1317, 49-1318; Acts 1989, ch. 591, §§ 1, 6; 1992, ch. 535, § 22; 1996, ch. 843, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-136 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-136
Emergency keyed lock boxes in all student dormitories and other university housing next to functioning elevators
Status: in_force

(a) The board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, the board of regents, and the state university boards shall adopt uniform rules requiring the placement of an emergency keyed lock box in all student dormitories and other campus housing with functioning elevators. The emergency keyed lock box must be installed by each bank of elevators in student dormitories and other campus housing. The lock boxes shall be permanently mounted seventy-two inches (72") from the floor to the center of the box, be operable by a universal key, no matter where the box is located, and shall contain only fire service keys and drop keys to the appropriate elevators. General standards for the design of the boxes shall be approved by the department of labor and workforce development; provided, however, that the standards must be consistent with all applicable building and life safety standards governing student dormitories. (b) Failure to comply with this section shall be a Class C misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine only of not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250). Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 602,s 11, eff. 3/23/2018. Acts 2005, ch. 404, § 2.
(a) The board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, the board of regents, and the state university boards shall adopt uniform rules requiring the placement of an emergency keyed lock box in all student dormitories and other campus housing with functioning elevators. The emergency keyed lock box must be installed by each bank of elevators in student dormitories and other campus housing. The lock boxes shall be permanently mounted seventy-two inches (72") from the floor to the center of the box, be operable by a universal key, no matter where the box is located, and shall contain only fire service keys and drop keys to the appropriate elevators. General standards for the design of the boxes shall be approved by the department of labor and workforce development; provided, however, that the standards must be consistent with all applicable building and life safety standards governing student dormitories.
(b) Failure to comply with this section shall be a Class C misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine only of not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 602,s 11, eff. 3/23/2018.
Acts 2005, ch. 404, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2015 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2015
Student loans
Status: in_force

(a) (1) If the person to whom educational services are to be rendered or furnished by a postsecondary educational institution is a resident of this state at the time any contract relating to payment for the services, or any note, instrument or other evidence of indebtedness relating to the contract, is entered into, this subsection (a) shall govern the rights of the parties to the contract or evidence of indebtedness. (2) In such event the following agreements entered into in connection with the contract or the giving of such evidence of indebtedness are invalid: (A) That the law of another state shall apply; (B) That the maker or any person liable on such contract or evidence of indebtedness consents to the jurisdiction of another state; (C) That another person is authorized to confess judgment on the contract or evidence of indebtedness; or (D) That fixes venue. (3) A note, instrument, or other evidence of indebtedness or contract relating to payment for education or educational services shall not be enforceable in the courts of this state by any postsecondary educational institution engaged in activities or operations in this state unless the institution is authorized under this part. (b) (1) For purposes of this subsection (b), "lending agency" means any postsecondary educational institution, or any person, group or entity controlling, controlled by or held in common ownership with the institution, or regularly loaning money to, or to students of, the institution. (2) Any lending agency extending credit or loaning money to any person for tuition, fees or any charges whatever of a postsecondary educational institution for educational or other services or facilities to be rendered or furnished by the institution, shall cause any note, instrument or other evidence of indebtedness taken in connection with the loan or extension of credit to be conspicuously marked on the face of the note, instrument or other evidence of indebtedness, "Student Loan." A lending agency that fails to do so is liable for any loss or damage suffered or incurred by any subsequent assignee, transferee or holder of the evidence of indebtedness on account of the absence of the notation. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 25, eff. 7/1/2022. Acts 1961, ch. 112, §§ 19, 20; 1974, ch. 781, §§ 19, 20; T.C.A., §§ 49-3919, 49-3920.
(a) (1) If the person to whom educational services are to be rendered or furnished by a postsecondary educational institution is a resident of this state at the time any contract relating to payment for the services, or any note, instrument or other evidence of indebtedness relating to the contract, is entered into, this subsection (a) shall govern the rights of the parties to the contract or evidence of indebtedness. (2) In such event the following agreements entered into in connection with the contract or the giving of such evidence of indebtedness are invalid: (A) That the law of another state shall apply; (B) That the maker or any person liable on such contract or evidence of indebtedness consents to the jurisdiction of another state; (C) That another person is authorized to confess judgment on the contract or evidence of indebtedness; or (D) That fixes venue. (3) A note, instrument, or other evidence of indebtedness or contract relating to payment for education or educational services shall not be enforceable in the courts of this state by any postsecondary educational institution engaged in activities or operations in this state unless the institution is authorized under this part.
(1) If the person to whom educational services are to be rendered or furnished by a postsecondary educational institution is a resident of this state at the time any contract relating to payment for the services, or any note, instrument or other evidence of indebtedness relating to the contract, is entered into, this subsection (a) shall govern the rights of the parties to the contract or evidence of indebtedness.
(2) In such event the following agreements entered into in connection with the contract or the giving of such evidence of indebtedness are invalid: (A) That the law of another state shall apply; (B) That the maker or any person liable on such contract or evidence of indebtedness consents to the jurisdiction of another state; (C) That another person is authorized to confess judgment on the contract or evidence of indebtedness; or (D) That fixes venue.
(A) That the law of another state shall apply;
(B) That the maker or any person liable on such contract or evidence of indebtedness consents to the jurisdiction of another state;
(C) That another person is authorized to confess judgment on the contract or evidence of indebtedness; or
(D) That fixes venue.
(3) A note, instrument, or other evidence of indebtedness or contract relating to payment for education or educational services shall not be enforceable in the courts of this state by any postsecondary educational institution engaged in activities or operations in this state unless the institution is authorized under this part.
(b) (1) For purposes of this subsection (b), "lending agency" means any postsecondary educational institution, or any person, group or entity controlling, controlled by or held in common ownership with the institution, or regularly loaning money to, or to students of, the institution. (2) Any lending agency extending credit or loaning money to any person for tuition, fees or any charges whatever of a postsecondary educational institution for educational or other services or facilities to be rendered or furnished by the institution, shall cause any note, instrument or other evidence of indebtedness taken in connection with the loan or extension of credit to be conspicuously marked on the face of the note, instrument or other evidence of indebtedness, "Student Loan." A lending agency that fails to do so is liable for any loss or damage suffered or incurred by any subsequent assignee, transferee or holder of the evidence of indebtedness on account of the absence of the notation.
(1) For purposes of this subsection (b), "lending agency" means any postsecondary educational institution, or any person, group or entity controlling, controlled by or held in common ownership with the institution, or regularly loaning money to, or to students of, the institution.
(2) Any lending agency extending credit or loaning money to any person for tuition, fees or any charges whatever of a postsecondary educational institution for educational or other services or facilities to be rendered or furnished by the institution, shall cause any note, instrument or other evidence of indebtedness taken in connection with the loan or extension of credit to be conspicuously marked on the face of the note, instrument or other evidence of indebtedness, "Student Loan." A lending agency that fails to do so is liable for any loss or damage suffered or incurred by any subsequent assignee, transferee or holder of the evidence of indebtedness on account of the absence of the notation.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 25, eff. 7/1/2022.
Acts 1961, ch. 112, §§ 19, 20; 1974, ch. 781, §§ 19, 20; T.C.A., §§ 49-3919, 49-3920.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2904 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-2904
Rights of students
Status: in_force

(a) A student shall have the right to carry out an activity described in any of subdivisions (b)(1)-(4), if the student does not: (1) Infringe on the rights of the school to: (A) Maintain order and discipline; (B) Prevent disruption of the educational process; and (C) Determine educational curriculum and assignments; (2) Harass other persons or coerce other persons to participate in the activity; or (3) Otherwise infringe on the rights of other persons. (b) Subject to subsection (a), a student shall be permitted to voluntarily: (1) Pray in a public school, vocally or silently, alone or with other students to the same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to vocally or silently reflect, meditate or speak on nonreligious matters alone or with other students in the public school; (2) Express religious viewpoints in a public school to the same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to express viewpoints on nonreligious topics or subjects in the school; (3) Speak to and attempt to share religious viewpoints with other students in a public school to the same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to speak to and attempt to share nonreligious viewpoints with other students; (4) Possess or distribute religious literature in a public school, subject to reasonable time, place and manner restrictions to the same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to possess or distribute literature on nonreligious topics or subjects in the school; and (5) Be absent, in accordance with LEA attendance policy, from a public school to observe religious holidays and participate in other religious practices to the same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to be absent from a public school for nonreligious purposes. (c) No action may be maintained pursuant to this part unless the student has exhausted the following administrative remedies: (1) The student or the student's parent or guardian shall state their complaint to the school's principal; (2) If the concerns are not resolved, then the student or the student's parent or guardian shall make complaint in writing to the director of schools with the specific facts of the alleged violation; (3) The director of schools shall investigate and take appropriate action to ensure the rights of the student are resolved within thirty (30) days of receiving the written complaint; and (4) Only after the director of schools' investigation and action may a student or the student's parent or guardian pursue any other legal action pursuant to this part. (d) If a right of a student established under this section is violated by a public school, the student may assert the violation as a cause of action or a defense in a judicial proceeding and obtain appropriate relief against the public school. The action shall be brought in the circuit or chancery court where the violation occurred or where the student resides. Standing to assert a cause of action or defense under this section shall be governed by the Tennessee rules of civil procedure and common law interpretations of those rules. (e) A student prevailing in a claim brought against a public school for a violation of this section or an action brought by a public school against a student for conduct covered by this section shall be entitled to reasonable attorney fees, court costs and the cost of bringing or defending the action. Acts 1997, ch. 422, § 1.
(a) A student shall have the right to carry out an activity described in any of subdivisions (b)(1)-(4), if the student does not: (1) Infringe on the rights of the school to: (A) Maintain order and discipline; (B) Prevent disruption of the educational process; and (C) Determine educational curriculum and assignments; (2) Harass other persons or coerce other persons to participate in the activity; or (3) Otherwise infringe on the rights of other persons.
(1) Infringe on the rights of the school to: (A) Maintain order and discipline; (B) Prevent disruption of the educational process; and (C) Determine educational curriculum and assignments;
(A) Maintain order and discipline;
(B) Prevent disruption of the educational process; and
(C) Determine educational curriculum and assignments;
(2) Harass other persons or coerce other persons to participate in the activity; or
(3) Otherwise infringe on the rights of other persons.
(b) Subject to subsection (a), a student shall be permitted to voluntarily: (1) Pray in a public school, vocally or silently, alone or with other students to the same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to vocally or silently reflect, meditate or speak on nonreligious matters alone or with other students in the public school; (2) Express religious viewpoints in a public school to the same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to express viewpoints on nonreligious topics or subjects in the school; (3) Speak to and attempt to share religious viewpoints with other students in a public school to the same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to speak to and attempt to share nonreligious viewpoints with other students; (4) Possess or distribute religious literature in a public school, subject to reasonable time, place and manner restrictions to the same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to possess or distribute literature on nonreligious topics or subjects in the school; and (5) Be absent, in accordance with LEA attendance policy, from a public school to observe religious holidays and participate in other religious practices to the same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to be absent from a public school for nonreligious purposes.
(1) Pray in a public school, vocally or silently, alone or with other students to the same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to vocally or silently reflect, meditate or speak on nonreligious matters alone or with other students in the public school;
(2) Express religious viewpoints in a public school to the same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to express viewpoints on nonreligious topics or subjects in the school;
(3) Speak to and attempt to share religious viewpoints with other students in a public school to the same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to speak to and attempt to share nonreligious viewpoints with other students;
(4) Possess or distribute religious literature in a public school, subject to reasonable time, place and manner restrictions to the same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to possess or distribute literature on nonreligious topics or subjects in the school; and
(5) Be absent, in accordance with LEA attendance policy, from a public school to observe religious holidays and participate in other religious practices to the same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to be absent from a public school for nonreligious purposes.
(c) No action may be maintained pursuant to this part unless the student has exhausted the following administrative remedies: (1) The student or the student's parent or guardian shall state their complaint to the school's principal; (2) If the concerns are not resolved, then the student or the student's parent or guardian shall make complaint in writing to the director of schools with the specific facts of the alleged violation; (3) The director of schools shall investigate and take appropriate action to ensure the rights of the student are resolved within thirty (30) days of receiving the written complaint; and (4) Only after the director of schools' investigation and action may a student or the student's parent or guardian pursue any other legal action pursuant to this part.
(1) The student or the student's parent or guardian shall state their complaint to the school's principal;
(2) If the concerns are not resolved, then the student or the student's parent or guardian shall make complaint in writing to the director of schools with the specific facts of the alleged violation;
(3) The director of schools shall investigate and take appropriate action to ensure the rights of the student are resolved within thirty (30) days of receiving the written complaint; and
(4) Only after the director of schools' investigation and action may a student or the student's parent or guardian pursue any other legal action pursuant to this part.
(d) If a right of a student established under this section is violated by a public school, the student may assert the violation as a cause of action or a defense in a judicial proceeding and obtain appropriate relief against the public school. The action shall be brought in the circuit or chancery court where the violation occurred or where the student resides. Standing to assert a cause of action or defense under this section shall be governed by the Tennessee rules of civil procedure and common law interpretations of those rules.
(e) A student prevailing in a claim brought against a public school for a violation of this section or an action brought by a public school against a student for conduct covered by this section shall be entitled to reasonable attorney fees, court costs and the cost of bringing or defending the action.
Acts 1997, ch. 422, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-1407 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-1407
Liability to agency or department
Status: in_force

Any person found to have personally profited from any violation of §§ 49-50-1404 and 49-50-1405 shall be liable to the affected LEA or state department or agency in an amount not to exceed actual money expended or lost and not administratively recoverable, plus the costs of any legal proceedings initiated by the affected LEA or state department or agency. Acts 1989, ch. 444, § 7.
Any person found to have personally profited from any violation of §§ 49-50-1404 and 49-50-1405 shall be liable to the affected LEA or state department or agency in an amount not to exceed actual money expended or lost and not administratively recoverable, plus the costs of any legal proceedings initiated by the affected LEA or state department or agency.
Acts 1989, ch. 444, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-409 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-409
Alternative methods for adult education
Status: in_force

(a) The department of education shall develop alternative methods by which adult students attending adult high schools may meet requirements that condition the receipt of credit for a course on a minimum number of contact hours. The alternative methods may be in lieu of all or part of the required contact hours. The alternative methods may include learning programs such as independent study under the guidance of a teacher at the adult high school, computer-assisted learning programs, on-line or distance learning programs, and work experience, if appropriate, for a particular course. Any student pursuing an alternate method of satisfying a contact hours requirement shall demonstrate mastery of the course content prior to receiving credit for the course. (b) In addition to the alternative methods developed by the department of education pursuant to subsection (a), an adult high school may provide virtual instruction in accordance with the requirements of chapter 16, part 2 of this title; provided, however, that an adult high school that provides virtual instruction to students must satisfy the instructional time requirements established for adult high schools by the state board of education. (c) A local board of education may contract for services with a nonprofit or for-profit entity for the operation and management of an adult high school. An adult high school operated by a nonprofit or for-profit entity under a contract with a local board of education must receive state and local school funding from the local board of education for the first year of its operation based on anticipated enrollment. A contract entered pursuant to this subsection (c) must: (1) Provide the maximum enrollment for the adult high school; (2) Require the nonprofit or for-profit entity to provide the local board of education with the anticipated enrollment at least four (4) months before the adult high school opens for its first year of operations, which must not exceed the maximum enrollment set forth in the contract with the local board of education; and (3) Require the local board of education to adjust payments to contracted adult high schools no less than three (3) times per year, in the months of October, February, and June, based on changes in revenue, student membership, or student services. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 960,s 1, eff. 5/9/2024. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 838, s 1, eff. 4/19/2022. Acts 2007 , ch. 213, § 1.
(a) The department of education shall develop alternative methods by which adult students attending adult high schools may meet requirements that condition the receipt of credit for a course on a minimum number of contact hours. The alternative methods may be in lieu of all or part of the required contact hours. The alternative methods may include learning programs such as independent study under the guidance of a teacher at the adult high school, computer-assisted learning programs, on-line or distance learning programs, and work experience, if appropriate, for a particular course. Any student pursuing an alternate method of satisfying a contact hours requirement shall demonstrate mastery of the course content prior to receiving credit for the course.
(b) In addition to the alternative methods developed by the department of education pursuant to subsection (a), an adult high school may provide virtual instruction in accordance with the requirements of chapter 16, part 2 of this title; provided, however, that an adult high school that provides virtual instruction to students must satisfy the instructional time requirements established for adult high schools by the state board of education.
(c) A local board of education may contract for services with a nonprofit or for-profit entity for the operation and management of an adult high school. An adult high school operated by a nonprofit or for-profit entity under a contract with a local board of education must receive state and local school funding from the local board of education for the first year of its operation based on anticipated enrollment. A contract entered pursuant to this subsection (c) must: (1) Provide the maximum enrollment for the adult high school; (2) Require the nonprofit or for-profit entity to provide the local board of education with the anticipated enrollment at least four (4) months before the adult high school opens for its first year of operations, which must not exceed the maximum enrollment set forth in the contract with the local board of education; and (3) Require the local board of education to adjust payments to contracted adult high schools no less than three (3) times per year, in the months of October, February, and June, based on changes in revenue, student membership, or student services.
(1) Provide the maximum enrollment for the adult high school;
(2) Require the nonprofit or for-profit entity to provide the local board of education with the anticipated enrollment at least four (4) months before the adult high school opens for its first year of operations, which must not exceed the maximum enrollment set forth in the contract with the local board of education; and
(3) Require the local board of education to adjust payments to contracted adult high schools no less than three (3) times per year, in the months of October, February, and June, based on changes in revenue, student membership, or student services.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 960,s 1, eff. 5/9/2024.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 838, s 1, eff. 4/19/2022.
Acts 2007 , ch. 213, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-201 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-201
General provisions
Status: in_force

(a) In order to provide for increased involvement of citizens in their local schools through community schools advisory councils, to assure maximum use of public school facilities by the citizens of each community in this state and to encourage community educational programs on a county-wide or multicounty-wide basis to provide the best possible programs for the least cost without duplication of efforts, the state board of education may adopt appropriate rules and regulations for encouraging increased community involvement in public schools and the usage of the public school facilities as community educational centers. The rules and regulations may consider and include, but not necessarily be limited to, provisions for: (1) The use of public school facilities by governmental, charitable or civic organizations for activities within the community; (2) The utilization of the talents and abilities of volunteers within the community for the enhancement of public school programs, including tutoring, counseling and cultural programs and projects; and (3) Increased communications between the staff and faculty of the public schools, other community institutions and agencies and citizens in the community. (b) The state board of education may further establish guidelines governing the submission and approval of community educational programs prepared by local boards for encouraging increased community involvement in the public schools and use of public school facilities. (c) Every local board of education may: (1) Develop programs and plans for increased community involvement and learning opportunities in the public schools based upon rules and guidelines adopted by the state board of education; (2) Develop programs and plans for increased community use of public school facilities based upon rules and guidelines adopted by the state board of education; and (3) Establish rules governing the implementation of the programs and plans in its public schools and submit these rules along with adopted programs and plans to the state board of education for approval. Acts 1978, ch. 780, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., §§ 49-2401, 49-2402.
(a) In order to provide for increased involvement of citizens in their local schools through community schools advisory councils, to assure maximum use of public school facilities by the citizens of each community in this state and to encourage community educational programs on a county-wide or multicounty-wide basis to provide the best possible programs for the least cost without duplication of efforts, the state board of education may adopt appropriate rules and regulations for encouraging increased community involvement in public schools and the usage of the public school facilities as community educational centers. The rules and regulations may consider and include, but not necessarily be limited to, provisions for: (1) The use of public school facilities by governmental, charitable or civic organizations for activities within the community; (2) The utilization of the talents and abilities of volunteers within the community for the enhancement of public school programs, including tutoring, counseling and cultural programs and projects; and (3) Increased communications between the staff and faculty of the public schools, other community institutions and agencies and citizens in the community.
(1) The use of public school facilities by governmental, charitable or civic organizations for activities within the community;
(2) The utilization of the talents and abilities of volunteers within the community for the enhancement of public school programs, including tutoring, counseling and cultural programs and projects; and
(3) Increased communications between the staff and faculty of the public schools, other community institutions and agencies and citizens in the community.
(b) The state board of education may further establish guidelines governing the submission and approval of community educational programs prepared by local boards for encouraging increased community involvement in the public schools and use of public school facilities.
(c) Every local board of education may: (1) Develop programs and plans for increased community involvement and learning opportunities in the public schools based upon rules and guidelines adopted by the state board of education; (2) Develop programs and plans for increased community use of public school facilities based upon rules and guidelines adopted by the state board of education; and (3) Establish rules governing the implementation of the programs and plans in its public schools and submit these rules along with adopted programs and plans to the state board of education for approval.
(1) Develop programs and plans for increased community involvement and learning opportunities in the public schools based upon rules and guidelines adopted by the state board of education;
(2) Develop programs and plans for increased community use of public school facilities based upon rules and guidelines adopted by the state board of education; and
(3) Establish rules governing the implementation of the programs and plans in its public schools and submit these rules along with adopted programs and plans to the state board of education for approval.
Acts 1978, ch. 780, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., §§ 49-2401, 49-2402.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-2002 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-2002
Eligibility to receive appropriations - Disposition of funds
Status: in_force

(a) The Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature Foundation is eligible to receive appropriations for its endowment fund from the state general fund subject to the following conditions: (1) Neither an appropriation nor the income from an appropriation may be spent for any organization other than the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL); (2) Any appropriation shall be returned to the state general fund if the TISL general assembly fails to meet in any three (3) consecutive school years; (3) Any appropriation shall be released to the foundation only as a dollar-for-dollar match of private contributions to the endowment fund; and (4) Any appropriation shall not revert to the general fund at the end of any fiscal year prior to December 31, 2012, but shall be carried over from year-to-year for the purpose of accomplishing this part. (b) It is the legislative intent that any funds appropriated to TISL be used by the foundation to eliminate fees paid by colleges and universities to participate in TISL. Acts 1985, ch. 471, § 2; 1995, ch. 170, § 1; 2008, ch. 625, § 1; 2012, ch. 774, § 1.
(a) The Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature Foundation is eligible to receive appropriations for its endowment fund from the state general fund subject to the following conditions: (1) Neither an appropriation nor the income from an appropriation may be spent for any organization other than the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL); (2) Any appropriation shall be returned to the state general fund if the TISL general assembly fails to meet in any three (3) consecutive school years; (3) Any appropriation shall be released to the foundation only as a dollar-for-dollar match of private contributions to the endowment fund; and (4) Any appropriation shall not revert to the general fund at the end of any fiscal year prior to December 31, 2012, but shall be carried over from year-to-year for the purpose of accomplishing this part.
(1) Neither an appropriation nor the income from an appropriation may be spent for any organization other than the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL);
(2) Any appropriation shall be returned to the state general fund if the TISL general assembly fails to meet in any three (3) consecutive school years;
(3) Any appropriation shall be released to the foundation only as a dollar-for-dollar match of private contributions to the endowment fund; and
(4) Any appropriation shall not revert to the general fund at the end of any fiscal year prior to December 31, 2012, but shall be carried over from year-to-year for the purpose of accomplishing this part.
(b) It is the legislative intent that any funds appropriated to TISL be used by the foundation to eliminate fees paid by colleges and universities to participate in TISL.
Acts 1985, ch. 471, § 2; 1995, ch. 170, § 1; 2008, ch. 625, § 1; 2012, ch. 774, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-111 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-111
Military career information
Status: in_force

If an institution of higher education provides access to the campus or to student directory information to persons or groups that make students aware of occupational or educational options, the institution of higher education shall provide access on the same basis to official recruiting representatives of the military forces of the state and the United States for the purpose of informing students of educational and career opportunities available in the military. Acts 1981, ch. 16, §§ 2, 3; T.C.A., §§ 49-3264, 49-3380.
If an institution of higher education provides access to the campus or to student directory information to persons or groups that make students aware of occupational or educational options, the institution of higher education shall provide access on the same basis to official recruiting representatives of the military forces of the state and the United States for the purpose of informing students of educational and career opportunities available in the military.
Acts 1981, ch. 16, §§ 2, 3; T.C.A., §§ 49-3264, 49-3380.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-129 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-129
Information on firearm ownership by student, parent, teacher, or LEA employee
Status: in_force

(a) No school administrator, teacher, or other employee of an LEA shall require a student or the student's parent to provide information on firearm ownership by the student's family. (b) No school administrator or other employee of an LEA shall require a teacher or other school employee to provide information on firearm ownership by the teacher or school employee. (c) Any information on firearm ownership that is voluntarily provided by a student, parent, teacher, or LEA employee shall not be the basis for adverse disciplinary action against a student or adverse employment action against a teacher or LEA employee; provided, however, that this subsection (c) shall not prohibit adverse disciplinary or employment action based on a violation of title 39, chapter 17, part 13. Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 214,s 1, eff. 4/20/2015.
(a) No school administrator, teacher, or other employee of an LEA shall require a student or the student's parent to provide information on firearm ownership by the student's family.
(b) No school administrator or other employee of an LEA shall require a teacher or other school employee to provide information on firearm ownership by the teacher or school employee.
(c) Any information on firearm ownership that is voluntarily provided by a student, parent, teacher, or LEA employee shall not be the basis for adverse disciplinary action against a student or adverse employment action against a teacher or LEA employee; provided, however, that this subsection (c) shall not prohibit adverse disciplinary or employment action based on a violation of title 39, chapter 17, part 13.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 214,s 1, eff. 4/20/2015.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-501 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-501
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 23, eff. 4/18/2018. Acts 1990, ch. 996, § 1.
Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 23, eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 1990, ch. 996, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-11-104 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 49-11-104
Career and technical education in grades six through twelve
Status: in_force

(a) (1) It is the intent of the general assembly that comprehensive career and technical education be made available by the state and local education agencies in grades six through twelve (6-12). (2) The program shall be made accessible to students in grades six through twelve (6-12) and planned to serve at least fifty percent (50%) of the students in grades six through twelve (6-12). (b) (1) All capital costs and operating costs of the programs developed under this section shall be borne by the state, to the extent that appropriations are made for the programs. (2) The operation of the facilities shall be by local boards of education or as joint facilities by two (2) or more local systems. (3) Appropriate counseling shall be made available in grades six (6), seven (7), and eight (8). (4) The acquisition of necessary land, the construction or acquisition of adequate facilities and equipment and the training of an adequate number of career and technical instructors and counselors shall proceed as rapidly as possible after needs are determined in order to carry out the intent expressed in subsection (a). (5) Counseling shall be provided in grades six through twelve (6-12) at the ratio of one (1) counselor for two hundred (200) students, with special competence in career and technical guidance including some practical experience. (6) In the selection of career and technical instructors, some practical experience shall be considered an essential qualification. (c) After each county, including city and special school districts, is surveyed, facilities shall be planned by the board of career and technical education for comprehensive career and technical training for high school and post high school students in accordance with one (1) of the following alternatives: (1) Comprehensive High Schools. Facilities will be utilized or expanded, or both, in school systems where schools have been consolidated sufficiently to provide comprehensive high schools for a minimum of about one thousand five hundred (1,500) students; (2) State Colleges of Applied Technology. Facilities will be utilized or expanded, or both, in state colleges of applied technology, where properly located, to provide comprehensive high school career and technical training; (3) Career and Technical Training Centers. In counties, including city and special school districts, with two (2) or more high schools, where students cannot be served under subdivision (c)(1) or (c)(2), a career and technical training center will be established separate from any existing school; (4) (A) Joint Facilities. Where practicable, and where school systems may not be served adequately by any of the alternatives in subdivisions (c)(1)-(3), joint facilities may be established and operated to serve two (2) or more counties or school systems, or both; (B) The governing body of each joint facility that exists separately from any other local school system shall cause an annual audit to be made of the books and records of the facility, to order and pay for the audit and to contract with certified public accountants, public accountants or the department of audit to make the audit; (C) The comptroller of the treasury, when the comptroller of the treasury deems it necessary, may require the audit to be conducted by the department of audit, the cost of the audit to be paid by the governing body; (D) The comptroller of the treasury, through the department of audit, shall be responsible for determining that the audit is prepared in accordance with generally accepted governmental auditing standards and that the audit meets the minimum standards prescribed by the comptroller of the treasury; (E) The comptroller of the treasury shall prepare a uniform audit manual as is required to assure that the books and records are kept in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that audit standards prescribed by the comptroller of the treasury are met; or (5) In the event that it is found not to be economically or physically feasible to provide expanded career and technical programs by one (1) of the four (4) alternatives in subdivisions (c)(1)-(4), an alternate delivery procedure may be developed. The conditions that will authorize the development of an alternate delivery procedure include, but are not limited to, geographical barriers, low student population and excessive distances involved. (d) After each county, including city and special school districts, is surveyed, the board of career and technical education shall plan facilities for comprehensive career and technical training for middle school students. The middle school programs may be conducted in any of the facilities where space and resources are available to high school students in accordance with subsection (c), or may be conducted in existing middle school facilities. (e) (1) Career and technical training for the post high school student shall be planned and implemented through utilization of facilities provided by this section. (2) The student shall have available to the student the programs of any facility. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 366,Secs.s2, s3, s4 eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 366,s 1, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 204,s 13, eff. 4/25/2019. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 495,s 8, eff. 2/22/2018. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 55,s 11, eff. 4/6/2015. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 473,s 6, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 1973, ch. 278, § 1; 1975, ch. 260, § 1; 1976, ch. 494, § 1; 1977, ch. 241, § 1; 1977, ch. 245, § 1; 1977, ch. 247, § 1; 1978, ch. 572, § 1; 1979, ch. 178, § 1; 1980, ch. 458, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-2709; T.C.A., § 49-27-107; Acts 1994, ch. 685, § 3.
(a) (1) It is the intent of the general assembly that comprehensive career and technical education be made available by the state and local education agencies in grades six through twelve (6-12). (2) The program shall be made accessible to students in grades six through twelve (6-12) and planned to serve at least fifty percent (50%) of the students in grades six through twelve (6-12).
(1) It is the intent of the general assembly that comprehensive career and technical education be made available by the state and local education agencies in grades six through twelve (6-12).
(2) The program shall be made accessible to students in grades six through twelve (6-12) and planned to serve at least fifty percent (50%) of the students in grades six through twelve (6-12).
(b) (1) All capital costs and operating costs of the programs developed under this section shall be borne by the state, to the extent that appropriations are made for the programs. (2) The operation of the facilities shall be by local boards of education or as joint facilities by two (2) or more local systems. (3) Appropriate counseling shall be made available in grades six (6), seven (7), and eight (8). (4) The acquisition of necessary land, the construction or acquisition of adequate facilities and equipment and the training of an adequate number of career and technical instructors and counselors shall proceed as rapidly as possible after needs are determined in order to carry out the intent expressed in subsection (a). (5) Counseling shall be provided in grades six through twelve (6-12) at the ratio of one (1) counselor for two hundred (200) students, with special competence in career and technical guidance including some practical experience. (6) In the selection of career and technical instructors, some practical experience shall be considered an essential qualification.
(1) All capital costs and operating costs of the programs developed under this section shall be borne by the state, to the extent that appropriations are made for the programs.
(2) The operation of the facilities shall be by local boards of education or as joint facilities by two (2) or more local systems.
(3) Appropriate counseling shall be made available in grades six (6), seven (7), and eight (8).
(4) The acquisition of necessary land, the construction or acquisition of adequate facilities and equipment and the training of an adequate number of career and technical instructors and counselors shall proceed as rapidly as possible after needs are determined in order to carry out the intent expressed in subsection (a).
(5) Counseling shall be provided in grades six through twelve (6-12) at the ratio of one (1) counselor for two hundred (200) students, with special competence in career and technical guidance including some practical experience.
(6) In the selection of career and technical instructors, some practical experience shall be considered an essential qualification.
(c) After each county, including city and special school districts, is surveyed, facilities shall be planned by the board of career and technical education for comprehensive career and technical training for high school and post high school students in accordance with one (1) of the following alternatives: (1) Comprehensive High Schools. Facilities will be utilized or expanded, or both, in school systems where schools have been consolidated sufficiently to provide comprehensive high schools for a minimum of about one thousand five hundred (1,500) students; (2) State Colleges of Applied Technology. Facilities will be utilized or expanded, or both, in state colleges of applied technology, where properly located, to provide comprehensive high school career and technical training; (3) Career and Technical Training Centers. In counties, including city and special school districts, with two (2) or more high schools, where students cannot be served under subdivision (c)(1) or (c)(2), a career and technical training center will be established separate from any existing school; (4) (A) Joint Facilities. Where practicable, and where school systems may not be served adequately by any of the alternatives in subdivisions (c)(1)-(3), joint facilities may be established and operated to serve two (2) or more counties or school systems, or both; (B) The governing body of each joint facility that exists separately from any other local school system shall cause an annual audit to be made of the books and records of the facility, to order and pay for the audit and to contract with certified public accountants, public accountants or the department of audit to make the audit; (C) The comptroller of the treasury, when the comptroller of the treasury deems it necessary, may require the audit to be conducted by the department of audit, the cost of the audit to be paid by the governing body; (D) The comptroller of the treasury, through the department of audit, shall be responsible for determining that the audit is prepared in accordance with generally accepted governmental auditing standards and that the audit meets the minimum standards prescribed by the comptroller of the treasury; (E) The comptroller of the treasury shall prepare a uniform audit manual as is required to assure that the books and records are kept in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that audit standards prescribed by the comptroller of the treasury are met; or (5) In the event that it is found not to be economically or physically feasible to provide expanded career and technical programs by one (1) of the four (4) alternatives in subdivisions (c)(1)-(4), an alternate delivery procedure may be developed. The conditions that will authorize the development of an alternate delivery procedure include, but are not limited to, geographical barriers, low student population and excessive distances involved.
(1) Comprehensive High Schools. Facilities will be utilized or expanded, or both, in school systems where schools have been consolidated sufficiently to provide comprehensive high schools for a minimum of about one thousand five hundred (1,500) students;
(2) State Colleges of Applied Technology. Facilities will be utilized or expanded, or both, in state colleges of applied technology, where properly located, to provide comprehensive high school career and technical training;
(3) Career and Technical Training Centers. In counties, including city and special school districts, with two (2) or more high schools, where students cannot be served under subdivision (c)(1) or (c)(2), a career and technical training center will be established separate from any existing school;
(4) (A) Joint Facilities. Where practicable, and where school systems may not be served adequately by any of the alternatives in subdivisions (c)(1)-(3), joint facilities may be established and operated to serve two (2) or more counties or school systems, or both; (B) The governing body of each joint facility that exists separately from any other local school system shall cause an annual audit to be made of the books and records of the facility, to order and pay for the audit and to contract with certified public accountants, public accountants or the department of audit to make the audit; (C) The comptroller of the treasury, when the comptroller of the treasury deems it necessary, may require the audit to be conducted by the department of audit, the cost of the audit to be paid by the governing body; (D) The comptroller of the treasury, through the department of audit, shall be responsible for determining that the audit is prepared in accordance with generally accepted governmental auditing standards and that the audit meets the minimum standards prescribed by the comptroller of the treasury; (E) The comptroller of the treasury shall prepare a uniform audit manual as is required to assure that the books and records are kept in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that audit standards prescribed by the comptroller of the treasury are met; or
(A) Joint Facilities. Where practicable, and where school systems may not be served adequately by any of the alternatives in subdivisions (c)(1)-(3), joint facilities may be established and operated to serve two (2) or more counties or school systems, or both;
(B) The governing body of each joint facility that exists separately from any other local school system shall cause an annual audit to be made of the books and records of the facility, to order and pay for the audit and to contract with certified public accountants, public accountants or the department of audit to make the audit;
(C) The comptroller of the treasury, when the comptroller of the treasury deems it necessary, may require the audit to be conducted by the department of audit, the cost of the audit to be paid by the governing body;
(D) The comptroller of the treasury, through the department of audit, shall be responsible for determining that the audit is prepared in accordance with generally accepted governmental auditing standards and that the audit meets the minimum standards prescribed by the comptroller of the treasury;
(E) The comptroller of the treasury shall prepare a uniform audit manual as is required to assure that the books and records are kept in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that audit standards prescribed by the comptroller of the treasury are met; or
(5) In the event that it is found not to be economically or physically feasible to provide expanded career and technical programs by one (1) of the four (4) alternatives in subdivisions (c)(1)-(4), an alternate delivery procedure may be developed. The conditions that will authorize the development of an alternate delivery procedure include, but are not limited to, geographical barriers, low student population and excessive distances involved.
(d) After each county, including city and special school districts, is surveyed, the board of career and technical education shall plan facilities for comprehensive career and technical training for middle school students. The middle school programs may be conducted in any of the facilities where space and resources are available to high school students in accordance with subsection (c), or may be conducted in existing middle school facilities.
(e) (1) Career and technical training for the post high school student shall be planned and implemented through utilization of facilities provided by this section. (2) The student shall have available to the student the programs of any facility.
(1) Career and technical training for the post high school student shall be planned and implemented through utilization of facilities provided by this section.
(2) The student shall have available to the student the programs of any facility.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 366,Secs.s2, s3, s4 eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 366,s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 204,s 13, eff. 4/25/2019.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 495,s 8, eff. 2/22/2018.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 55,s 11, eff. 4/6/2015.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 473,s 6, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1973, ch. 278, § 1; 1975, ch. 260, § 1; 1976, ch. 494, § 1; 1977, ch. 241, § 1; 1977, ch. 245, § 1; 1977, ch. 247, § 1; 1978, ch. 572, § 1; 1979, ch. 178, § 1; 1980, ch. 458, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-2709; T.C.A., § 49-27-107; Acts 1994, ch. 685, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-7005 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-7005
Improving parental involvement in children's education
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section, "parent" means parent, guardian or legal custodian who is required under § 49-6-3001 to enroll the child in school. (b) LEAs are authorized and encouraged to partner with individuals, community and faith-based groups and organizations and nonprofit and for-profit entities to design and implement programs to improve parental involvement in their children's education and schools, particularly in high priority schools or school systems. (c) LEAs shall identify or encourage development of parenting classes that are provided at low or no cost to parents by organizations within the community and that are designed to improve parental involvement in their children's education. (d) Parenting classes in these parent involvement programs should provide parents with information and skills related to improving student performance. For example, these classes may address: (1) How to be a positive role model for children in motivating them to do well in school; (2) How to maximize the benefits of parent-teacher conferences; (3) The importance of sleep and good nutrition in school performance; (4) How to help with homework assignments and to establish an environment conducive to completion of homework assignments; (5) Techniques that can be taught students to improve studying and classroom performance; (6) How to access and use technology provided by the LEA or school that furnishes information about school assignments, activities and events and about student attendance and performance; (7) The importance of school attendance and the consequences of truancy; (8) How to help students prepare for entrance into college or the workforce; and (9) Ways of becoming involved in a child's school, including opportunities to volunteer in the school. (e) LEAs may solicit donations from its partners to fund rewards for schools or classes in which a high percentage of parents participate in at least two (2) parenting classes to learn skills related to improving student performance. Rewards may include equipment and supplies for the school or the class being rewarded or for specific programs offered by the school and field trips and other educational activities that would benefit the school or the class of students being rewarded. LEAs may devise ways of providing recognition to schools or classes in which a high percentage of parents participate in at least two (2) parenting classes, as well as recognizing the parents who participated. (f) LEAs shall encourage parents who participate in the parenting classes to be a positive influence on parents, whose children enter the school for the first time during the next school year, and on parents who have not attended the parenting classes, to promote participation in the parental involvement program. Acts 2012 , ch. 784, § 1.
(a) As used in this section, "parent" means parent, guardian or legal custodian who is required under § 49-6-3001 to enroll the child in school.
(b) LEAs are authorized and encouraged to partner with individuals, community and faith-based groups and organizations and nonprofit and for-profit entities to design and implement programs to improve parental involvement in their children's education and schools, particularly in high priority schools or school systems.
(c) LEAs shall identify or encourage development of parenting classes that are provided at low or no cost to parents by organizations within the community and that are designed to improve parental involvement in their children's education.
(d) Parenting classes in these parent involvement programs should provide parents with information and skills related to improving student performance. For example, these classes may address: (1) How to be a positive role model for children in motivating them to do well in school; (2) How to maximize the benefits of parent-teacher conferences; (3) The importance of sleep and good nutrition in school performance; (4) How to help with homework assignments and to establish an environment conducive to completion of homework assignments; (5) Techniques that can be taught students to improve studying and classroom performance; (6) How to access and use technology provided by the LEA or school that furnishes information about school assignments, activities and events and about student attendance and performance; (7) The importance of school attendance and the consequences of truancy; (8) How to help students prepare for entrance into college or the workforce; and (9) Ways of becoming involved in a child's school, including opportunities to volunteer in the school.
(1) How to be a positive role model for children in motivating them to do well in school;
(2) How to maximize the benefits of parent-teacher conferences;
(3) The importance of sleep and good nutrition in school performance;
(4) How to help with homework assignments and to establish an environment conducive to completion of homework assignments;
(5) Techniques that can be taught students to improve studying and classroom performance;
(6) How to access and use technology provided by the LEA or school that furnishes information about school assignments, activities and events and about student attendance and performance;
(7) The importance of school attendance and the consequences of truancy;
(8) How to help students prepare for entrance into college or the workforce; and
(9) Ways of becoming involved in a child's school, including opportunities to volunteer in the school.
(e) LEAs may solicit donations from its partners to fund rewards for schools or classes in which a high percentage of parents participate in at least two (2) parenting classes to learn skills related to improving student performance. Rewards may include equipment and supplies for the school or the class being rewarded or for specific programs offered by the school and field trips and other educational activities that would benefit the school or the class of students being rewarded. LEAs may devise ways of providing recognition to schools or classes in which a high percentage of parents participate in at least two (2) parenting classes, as well as recognizing the parents who participated.
(f) LEAs shall encourage parents who participate in the parenting classes to be a positive influence on parents, whose children enter the school for the first time during the next school year, and on parents who have not attended the parenting classes, to promote participation in the parental involvement program.
Acts 2012 , ch. 784, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-603 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-603
Sponsoring committee
Status: in_force

(a) There is established a legislative intern committee and an academic intern committee to be known collectively as the sponsoring committee. (b) The legislative intern committee will consist of the following members: (1) The speaker of the senate, the senate minority leader and two (2) senators to be appointed by the speaker of the senate, one (1) from the minority party and one (1) from the majority party; (2) The speaker of the house of representatives, the minority leader of the house of representatives and two (2) representatives to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, one (1) from the minority party and one (1) from the majority party; and (3) The director of legislative services, or the director's designee, who shall be the program administrator. (c) The legislative intern committee shall select from among the official representatives of cooperating colleges and universities, as defined in § 49-50-602 , five (5) members to serve as an academic intern committee. Members of the academic intern committee shall serve for one (1) year and shall be eligible for reappointment. Any vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the legislative intern committee of an official representative for the remainder of the term. In selecting members of the academic intern committee, the legislative intern committee shall make every effort to assure minority group participation on the academic intern committee. An academic intern committee chair shall be selected from among the members. (d) Members of the legislative intern committee shall serve without compensation, except for the mileage and per diem allowance that is provided by the general assembly. Compensation for members of the academic intern committee shall be provided by the various participating colleges and universities in accordance with their established policies and procedures. (e) The sponsoring committee, the legislative committee and the academic committee shall meet at such times as necessary, upon the call of the chairs of the respective committees. The sponsoring committee shall hold at least two (2) regular meetings in each calendar year. One (1) meeting shall be held prior to September 1 for the purpose of making plans for the program for the next ensuing legislative session, reviewing policies and making changes that seem advisable to govern the program for the session, and transacting other business as necessary. The second meeting shall be held within the first three (3) days of the organizational session in odd-numbered years and within the first three (3) days of the regular session in even-numbered years for the purpose of making work assignments of interns. Acts 1972, ch. 706, §§ 3, 6, 7; 1973, ch. 147, § 1; 1974, ch. 569, § 1; 1976, ch. 465, § 1; 1977, ch. 89, § 26; T.C.A., §§ 49-4703, 49-4706, 49-4707; Acts 1987, ch. 323, § 1.
(a) There is established a legislative intern committee and an academic intern committee to be known collectively as the sponsoring committee.
(b) The legislative intern committee will consist of the following members: (1) The speaker of the senate, the senate minority leader and two (2) senators to be appointed by the speaker of the senate, one (1) from the minority party and one (1) from the majority party; (2) The speaker of the house of representatives, the minority leader of the house of representatives and two (2) representatives to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, one (1) from the minority party and one (1) from the majority party; and (3) The director of legislative services, or the director's designee, who shall be the program administrator.
(1) The speaker of the senate, the senate minority leader and two (2) senators to be appointed by the speaker of the senate, one (1) from the minority party and one (1) from the majority party;
(2) The speaker of the house of representatives, the minority leader of the house of representatives and two (2) representatives to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, one (1) from the minority party and one (1) from the majority party; and
(3) The director of legislative services, or the director's designee, who shall be the program administrator.
(c) The legislative intern committee shall select from among the official representatives of cooperating colleges and universities, as defined in § 49-50-602 , five (5) members to serve as an academic intern committee. Members of the academic intern committee shall serve for one (1) year and shall be eligible for reappointment. Any vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the legislative intern committee of an official representative for the remainder of the term. In selecting members of the academic intern committee, the legislative intern committee shall make every effort to assure minority group participation on the academic intern committee. An academic intern committee chair shall be selected from among the members.
(d) Members of the legislative intern committee shall serve without compensation, except for the mileage and per diem allowance that is provided by the general assembly. Compensation for members of the academic intern committee shall be provided by the various participating colleges and universities in accordance with their established policies and procedures.
(e) The sponsoring committee, the legislative committee and the academic committee shall meet at such times as necessary, upon the call of the chairs of the respective committees. The sponsoring committee shall hold at least two (2) regular meetings in each calendar year. One (1) meeting shall be held prior to September 1 for the purpose of making plans for the program for the next ensuing legislative session, reviewing policies and making changes that seem advisable to govern the program for the session, and transacting other business as necessary. The second meeting shall be held within the first three (3) days of the organizational session in odd-numbered years and within the first three (3) days of the regular session in even-numbered years for the purpose of making work assignments of interns.
Acts 1972, ch. 706, §§ 3, 6, 7; 1973, ch. 147, § 1; 1974, ch. 569, § 1; 1976, ch. 465, § 1; 1977, ch. 89, § 26; T.C.A., §§ 49-4703, 49-4706, 49-4707; Acts 1987, ch. 323, § 1.