Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2203 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2203
Reporting of crime statistics
Status: in_force

(a) Each institution of higher education shall report to the Tennessee bureau of investigation, on an annual basis, crime statistics for crimes occurring on the campus and in student housing, if applicable, of the institution for publication in an annual report on forms and in the format required by the bureau pursuant to this part. Each report must be certified by the president or the chancellor of the respective institution of higher education, or the president's or chancellor's designee. It is the duty of the director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations prescribing the form, general content, time and manner of submission of the crime statistics. The rules so adopted and promulgated shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, and shall have the force and effect of law. (b) Each institution of higher education shall publish, in accordance with the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the state publications committee, a report that shall be updated annually, and that shall include the crime statistics as reported under subsection (a) for the most recent three-year period. Crime rates shall also be included in the report. The crime rates reported shall be based on the numbers and categories of crimes reported under subsection (a) and the number of full-time equivalent undergraduate and graduate students and full-time equivalent employees at the institution of higher education. Upon request, the institution shall provide the report to every person who submits an application for admission to the institution and to each new employee at the time of employment. In its acknowledgment of receipt of the formal application of admission, the institution shall notify the applicant of the availability of the information. Upon request, the institution shall also provide the report to any student or employee of the institution. Institutions with more than one (1) campus shall provide the required information on a campus-by-campus basis. (c) Upon the request of any applicant for admission or any new employee, each institution of higher education shall provide information regarding the institution's security policies and procedures. In its acknowledgment of receipt of an application for admission or in pre-admission materials, the institution shall notify the applicant of the availability of the information. Upon request, the institution shall also provide the information to any student or employee of the institution. The institution shall post public notices stating that the information described in this subsection (c) is available and explaining how it may be obtained. Institutions with more than one (1) campus shall provide the information on a campus-by-campus basis. The information for the most recent school year shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) The number of undergraduate and graduate students enrolled; (2) The number of undergraduate and graduate students living in student housing; (3) The total number of nonstudent employees working on the campus; (4) The administrative office responsible for security on the campus; (5) A description of the type and number of security personnel utilized by the institution, including a description of their training; (6) The enforcement authority of security personnel, including their working relationship with state and local law enforcement agencies; (7) Policy on reporting criminal incidents to state and local law enforcement agencies; (8) Policy regarding access to institutional facilities and programs by students, employees, guests and other individuals; (9) Procedures and facilities for students and others to report criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on campus and policies concerning the institution's response to the reports; (10) A statement of policy regarding the possession, use and sale of alcoholic beverages; (11) A statement of policy regarding the possession, use and sale of illegal drugs; (12) A statement of policy regarding the possession and use of weapons by security personnel and any other person; (13) Any policy regarding students or employees with criminal records; (14) Security considerations used in the maintenance of campus facilities, including landscaping, groundskeeping and outdoor lighting; and (15) A description of the communication media used to inform the campus community about security matters as well as the frequency with which the information is usually provided. (d) Institutions that maintain student housing facilities shall include in the information described in subsection (c) the following: (1) Types of student housing available, such as on-campus, off-campus; single room, double, group; single sex, coed; undergraduate, graduate, married, or other types of student housing; (2) Policies on housing assignments and requests by students for assignment changes; (3) Policies concerning the identification and admission of visitors in student housing facilities; (4) Measures to secure entrances to student housing facilities; (5) Standard security features used to secure doors and windows in students' rooms; (6) A description of the type and number of employees, including security personnel, assigned to the student housing facilities, which shall include a description of their security training; (7) The type and frequency of programs designed to inform student housing residents about housing security and enforcement procedures; (8) Policy and any special security procedures for housing students during low-occupancy periods such as holidays and vacation periods; and (9) Policy on the housing of guests and others not assigned to the student housing or not regularly associated with the institution of higher education. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 958, s 1, eff. 4/29/2022. Acts 1989, ch. 317, § 3; 1990, ch. 1024, § 26; 2006, ch. 757, § 2.
(a) Each institution of higher education shall report to the Tennessee bureau of investigation, on an annual basis, crime statistics for crimes occurring on the campus and in student housing, if applicable, of the institution for publication in an annual report on forms and in the format required by the bureau pursuant to this part. Each report must be certified by the president or the chancellor of the respective institution of higher education, or the president's or chancellor's designee. It is the duty of the director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations prescribing the form, general content, time and manner of submission of the crime statistics. The rules so adopted and promulgated shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, and shall have the force and effect of law.
(b) Each institution of higher education shall publish, in accordance with the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the state publications committee, a report that shall be updated annually, and that shall include the crime statistics as reported under subsection (a) for the most recent three-year period. Crime rates shall also be included in the report. The crime rates reported shall be based on the numbers and categories of crimes reported under subsection (a) and the number of full-time equivalent undergraduate and graduate students and full-time equivalent employees at the institution of higher education. Upon request, the institution shall provide the report to every person who submits an application for admission to the institution and to each new employee at the time of employment. In its acknowledgment of receipt of the formal application of admission, the institution shall notify the applicant of the availability of the information. Upon request, the institution shall also provide the report to any student or employee of the institution. Institutions with more than one (1) campus shall provide the required information on a campus-by-campus basis.
(c) Upon the request of any applicant for admission or any new employee, each institution of higher education shall provide information regarding the institution's security policies and procedures. In its acknowledgment of receipt of an application for admission or in pre-admission materials, the institution shall notify the applicant of the availability of the information. Upon request, the institution shall also provide the information to any student or employee of the institution. The institution shall post public notices stating that the information described in this subsection (c) is available and explaining how it may be obtained. Institutions with more than one (1) campus shall provide the information on a campus-by-campus basis. The information for the most recent school year shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) The number of undergraduate and graduate students enrolled; (2) The number of undergraduate and graduate students living in student housing; (3) The total number of nonstudent employees working on the campus; (4) The administrative office responsible for security on the campus; (5) A description of the type and number of security personnel utilized by the institution, including a description of their training; (6) The enforcement authority of security personnel, including their working relationship with state and local law enforcement agencies; (7) Policy on reporting criminal incidents to state and local law enforcement agencies; (8) Policy regarding access to institutional facilities and programs by students, employees, guests and other individuals; (9) Procedures and facilities for students and others to report criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on campus and policies concerning the institution's response to the reports; (10) A statement of policy regarding the possession, use and sale of alcoholic beverages; (11) A statement of policy regarding the possession, use and sale of illegal drugs; (12) A statement of policy regarding the possession and use of weapons by security personnel and any other person; (13) Any policy regarding students or employees with criminal records; (14) Security considerations used in the maintenance of campus facilities, including landscaping, groundskeeping and outdoor lighting; and (15) A description of the communication media used to inform the campus community about security matters as well as the frequency with which the information is usually provided.
(1) The number of undergraduate and graduate students enrolled;
(2) The number of undergraduate and graduate students living in student housing;
(3) The total number of nonstudent employees working on the campus;
(4) The administrative office responsible for security on the campus;
(5) A description of the type and number of security personnel utilized by the institution, including a description of their training;
(6) The enforcement authority of security personnel, including their working relationship with state and local law enforcement agencies;
(7) Policy on reporting criminal incidents to state and local law enforcement agencies;
(8) Policy regarding access to institutional facilities and programs by students, employees, guests and other individuals;
(9) Procedures and facilities for students and others to report criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on campus and policies concerning the institution's response to the reports;
(10) A statement of policy regarding the possession, use and sale of alcoholic beverages;
(11) A statement of policy regarding the possession, use and sale of illegal drugs;
(12) A statement of policy regarding the possession and use of weapons by security personnel and any other person;
(13) Any policy regarding students or employees with criminal records;
(14) Security considerations used in the maintenance of campus facilities, including landscaping, groundskeeping and outdoor lighting; and
(15) A description of the communication media used to inform the campus community about security matters as well as the frequency with which the information is usually provided.
(d) Institutions that maintain student housing facilities shall include in the information described in subsection (c) the following: (1) Types of student housing available, such as on-campus, off-campus; single room, double, group; single sex, coed; undergraduate, graduate, married, or other types of student housing; (2) Policies on housing assignments and requests by students for assignment changes; (3) Policies concerning the identification and admission of visitors in student housing facilities; (4) Measures to secure entrances to student housing facilities; (5) Standard security features used to secure doors and windows in students' rooms; (6) A description of the type and number of employees, including security personnel, assigned to the student housing facilities, which shall include a description of their security training; (7) The type and frequency of programs designed to inform student housing residents about housing security and enforcement procedures; (8) Policy and any special security procedures for housing students during low-occupancy periods such as holidays and vacation periods; and (9) Policy on the housing of guests and others not assigned to the student housing or not regularly associated with the institution of higher education.
(1) Types of student housing available, such as on-campus, off-campus; single room, double, group; single sex, coed; undergraduate, graduate, married, or other types of student housing;
(2) Policies on housing assignments and requests by students for assignment changes;
(3) Policies concerning the identification and admission of visitors in student housing facilities;
(4) Measures to secure entrances to student housing facilities;
(5) Standard security features used to secure doors and windows in students' rooms;
(6) A description of the type and number of employees, including security personnel, assigned to the student housing facilities, which shall include a description of their security training;
(7) The type and frequency of programs designed to inform student housing residents about housing security and enforcement procedures;
(8) Policy and any special security procedures for housing students during low-occupancy periods such as holidays and vacation periods; and
(9) Policy on the housing of guests and others not assigned to the student housing or not regularly associated with the institution of higher education.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 958, s 1, eff. 4/29/2022.
Acts 1989, ch. 317, § 3; 1990, ch. 1024, § 26; 2006, ch. 757, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-611 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-611
Reports - Removal or appointment of school board members
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall make periodic reports to the state board, the education committee of the senate, and the education administration committee of the house of representatives on the progress of any local school system or school placed on probation. Whenever it appears to the commissioner that a local school system or school placed on probation pursuant to § 49-1-602 is not taking action necessary to resolve the deficiencies identified in any report or study of the system or school, the commissioner may with the approval of the state board order the removal of some or all of the members of the local board and the director of schools and appoint an agent to direct all operations of the system. Before the removal or appointment functions are exercised, the commissioner shall also appear before the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives for that purpose and present the reasons for the proposed actions. The committees may either endorse or refuse to endorse the proposed actions. The agent shall have all authority and powers previously vested in the local board and director of schools and such other powers as may be granted by law or regulation. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 72, eff. 3/29/2021. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 82, eff. 5/10/2019. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 20, eff. 4/17/2015. Acts 1998, ch. 737, § 4; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (f), (g); 2012 , ch. 925, § 6.
The commissioner shall make periodic reports to the state board, the education committee of the senate, and the education administration committee of the house of representatives on the progress of any local school system or school placed on probation. Whenever it appears to the commissioner that a local school system or school placed on probation pursuant to § 49-1-602 is not taking action necessary to resolve the deficiencies identified in any report or study of the system or school, the commissioner may with the approval of the state board order the removal of some or all of the members of the local board and the director of schools and appoint an agent to direct all operations of the system. Before the removal or appointment functions are exercised, the commissioner shall also appear before the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives for that purpose and present the reasons for the proposed actions. The committees may either endorse or refuse to endorse the proposed actions. The agent shall have all authority and powers previously vested in the local board and director of schools and such other powers as may be granted by law or regulation.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 72, eff. 3/29/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 82, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 20, eff. 4/17/2015.
Acts 1998, ch. 737, § 4; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (f), (g); 2012 , ch. 925, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-804 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-804
Placement of automated external defibrillator (AED)
Status: in_force

(a) All private schools, as defined in § 49-6-3001 , are encouraged to place automated external defibrillator (AED) devices in schools, as required of public schools in § 49-2-122 . (b) If a private school places an AED in the school, then the private school shall comply with this section, § 49-2-122 , and title 68, chapter 140, part 4, relative to training, establishment of a written plan, notification, and other requirements. Private schools shall comply with § 68-140-404 as to the maintenance and testing of AEDs to ensure that the devices are in optimal operating condition. (c) Section 49-2-122(e) shall apply to private schools that place an AED in the school. Acts 2018 , ch. 1028, § 3.
(a) All private schools, as defined in § 49-6-3001 , are encouraged to place automated external defibrillator (AED) devices in schools, as required of public schools in § 49-2-122 .
(b) If a private school places an AED in the school, then the private school shall comply with this section, § 49-2-122 , and title 68, chapter 140, part 4, relative to training, establishment of a written plan, notification, and other requirements. Private schools shall comply with § 68-140-404 as to the maintenance and testing of AEDs to ensure that the devices are in optimal operating condition.
(c) Section 49-2-122(e) shall apply to private schools that place an AED in the school.
Acts 2018 , ch. 1028, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-8-906 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 49-8-906
Rank and tenure of employees
Status: in_force

Employees of affected institutions who have achieved rank and tenure under policies of the board of regents and who continue as employees of the board of regents without a break in service shall retain that rank and tenure as employees of the board of regents. Acts 1988, ch. 1020, § 7.
Employees of affected institutions who have achieved rank and tenure under policies of the board of regents and who continue as employees of the board of regents without a break in service shall retain that rank and tenure as employees of the board of regents.
Acts 1988, ch. 1020, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-109 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-109
Reciprocity
Status: in_force

The state board of education may enter into reciprocal agreements with the certifying or licensing authorities of other states whereby holders of certificates or licenses in other states may be issued licenses in this state. Acts 1951, ch. 58, § 6 (Williams, § 2365.10); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1241; Acts 1987, ch. 308, § 20.
The state board of education may enter into reciprocal agreements with the certifying or licensing authorities of other states whereby holders of certificates or licenses in other states may be issued licenses in this state.
Acts 1951, ch. 58, § 6 (Williams, § 2365.10); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1241; Acts 1987, ch. 308, § 20.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-109 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-109
In-service training funds
Status: in_force

(a) For the purpose of providing an in-service training program to upgrade the professional personnel of the state colleges and universities operating under the state university and community college system, and to upgrade the professional personnel of the University of Tennessee, operating under the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, the state university and community college system and the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee are authorized to allocate an in-service training fund to each of the state colleges and universities operating under the respective control of each board or system. (b) The amount of each in-service training fund shall be paid solely out of the state appropriations made to the respective state colleges and universities and expendable receipts. (c) Expenditures from the fund shall be made only under policies approved by the respective governing boards or system. Acts 1972, ch. 693, § 16; 1973, ch. 144, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-3235.
(a) For the purpose of providing an in-service training program to upgrade the professional personnel of the state colleges and universities operating under the state university and community college system, and to upgrade the professional personnel of the University of Tennessee, operating under the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, the state university and community college system and the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee are authorized to allocate an in-service training fund to each of the state colleges and universities operating under the respective control of each board or system.
(b) The amount of each in-service training fund shall be paid solely out of the state appropriations made to the respective state colleges and universities and expendable receipts.
(c) Expenditures from the fund shall be made only under policies approved by the respective governing boards or system.
Acts 1972, ch. 693, § 16; 1973, ch. 144, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-3235.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-13-120 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 13 / Section 49-13-120
Reporting requirements
Status: in_force

(a) The governing body of the public charter school shall make an annual progress report to the authorizer and to the commissioner of education. The report must contain the following information: (1) The progress of the public charter school towards achieving the goals outlined in the school's charter agreement; (2) Financial records of the public charter school, including revenues and expenditures; and (3) A detailed accounting, including the amounts and sources, of all funds received by the public charter school, other than the funds received under § 49-13-112(a) . (b) The reports made pursuant to subsection (a) shall be public information pursuant to § 10-7-504(a)(4) . Based on the information provided to the commissioner of education under subsection (a), the commissioner shall prepare and submit an annual report on charter schools to the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives. (c) In addition to the annual audit of accounts and records of its approved public charter schools pursuant to § 49-13-127 , each authorizer shall submit an annual authorizing report to the department of education and state board of education by January 1 of each year. The report shall include the following items: (1) The operating status of the charter schools approved by the authorizer with a designation of: (A) Approved but not yet open; (B) Open and operating; (C) Revoked, including the reason for revocation; (D) Nonrenewed; or (E) Closed, including date of closing and the reason for closing; (2) The oversight and contracted services, if any, provided by the authorizer to the charter schools approved by the authorizer; and (3) A performance report for each public charter school it oversees, in accordance with the performance framework set forth in the charter agreement. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 110, eff. 3/29/2021. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 124, eff. 5/10/2019. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, Secs.s 66, s 67, s 68, s 69, s 70eff. 4/26/2019. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 307, s 16, eff. 7/1/2017. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 77, eff. 4/17/2015. Acts 2002, ch. 850, §21; 2009 , ch. 555, § 16; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (gg); 2011 , ch. 507, § 11.
(a) The governing body of the public charter school shall make an annual progress report to the authorizer and to the commissioner of education. The report must contain the following information: (1) The progress of the public charter school towards achieving the goals outlined in the school's charter agreement; (2) Financial records of the public charter school, including revenues and expenditures; and (3) A detailed accounting, including the amounts and sources, of all funds received by the public charter school, other than the funds received under § 49-13-112(a) .
(1) The progress of the public charter school towards achieving the goals outlined in the school's charter agreement;
(2) Financial records of the public charter school, including revenues and expenditures; and
(3) A detailed accounting, including the amounts and sources, of all funds received by the public charter school, other than the funds received under § 49-13-112(a) .
(b) The reports made pursuant to subsection (a) shall be public information pursuant to § 10-7-504(a)(4) . Based on the information provided to the commissioner of education under subsection (a), the commissioner shall prepare and submit an annual report on charter schools to the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives.
(c) In addition to the annual audit of accounts and records of its approved public charter schools pursuant to § 49-13-127 , each authorizer shall submit an annual authorizing report to the department of education and state board of education by January 1 of each year. The report shall include the following items: (1) The operating status of the charter schools approved by the authorizer with a designation of: (A) Approved but not yet open; (B) Open and operating; (C) Revoked, including the reason for revocation; (D) Nonrenewed; or (E) Closed, including date of closing and the reason for closing; (2) The oversight and contracted services, if any, provided by the authorizer to the charter schools approved by the authorizer; and (3) A performance report for each public charter school it oversees, in accordance with the performance framework set forth in the charter agreement.
(1) The operating status of the charter schools approved by the authorizer with a designation of: (A) Approved but not yet open; (B) Open and operating; (C) Revoked, including the reason for revocation; (D) Nonrenewed; or (E) Closed, including date of closing and the reason for closing;
(A) Approved but not yet open;
(B) Open and operating;
(C) Revoked, including the reason for revocation;
(D) Nonrenewed; or
(E) Closed, including date of closing and the reason for closing;
(2) The oversight and contracted services, if any, provided by the authorizer to the charter schools approved by the authorizer; and
(3) A performance report for each public charter school it oversees, in accordance with the performance framework set forth in the charter agreement.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 110, eff. 3/29/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 124, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, Secs.s 66, s 67, s 68, s 69, s 70eff. 4/26/2019.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 307, s 16, eff. 7/1/2017.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 77, eff. 4/17/2015.
Acts 2002, ch. 850, §21; 2009 , ch. 555, § 16; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (gg); 2011 , ch. 507, § 11.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-105 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-105
Intercounty cooperation
Status: in_force

(a) For participation in the benefits of this part, contiguous counties may cooperate and be regarded as one (1) county in the employment of either a county agricultural agent or county home demonstration agent, or both; provided, that the combined area of the counties cooperating does not exceed eight hundred square miles (800 sq. mi.) and that the assessed valuation of one (1) of the counties does not exceed five million dollars ($5,000,000). (b) The plans for such cooperation shall be arranged by the county mayors of the respective counties involved, and approved by the director of extension work of the University of Tennessee. Acts 1929, ch. 81, § 4; mod. Code 1932, § 2544; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-3407; Acts 2003, ch. 90, § 2.
(a) For participation in the benefits of this part, contiguous counties may cooperate and be regarded as one (1) county in the employment of either a county agricultural agent or county home demonstration agent, or both; provided, that the combined area of the counties cooperating does not exceed eight hundred square miles (800 sq. mi.) and that the assessed valuation of one (1) of the counties does not exceed five million dollars ($5,000,000).
(b) The plans for such cooperation shall be arranged by the county mayors of the respective counties involved, and approved by the director of extension work of the University of Tennessee.
Acts 1929, ch. 81, § 4; mod. Code 1932, § 2544; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-3407; Acts 2003, ch. 90, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-126 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-126
Early postsecondary course fund
Status: in_force

A school may establish an early postsecondary course fund to receive donations or grants from individuals or from private corporations, associations, or other artificial entities, both nonprofit and for profit, who desire to help support an early postsecondary course offered or attempted to be established by the school. Moneys in the fund must be used solely for academic enhancement in support of the program for which the fund was created. The principal of each school establishing a fund shall appoint a committee which shall be responsible for the determination of the use of funds for the program for which the fund was created. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248,s 24, eff. 5/2/2019. Acts 2010, ch. 931, § 1.
A school may establish an early postsecondary course fund to receive donations or grants from individuals or from private corporations, associations, or other artificial entities, both nonprofit and for profit, who desire to help support an early postsecondary course offered or attempted to be established by the school. Moneys in the fund must be used solely for academic enhancement in support of the program for which the fund was created. The principal of each school establishing a fund shall appoint a committee which shall be responsible for the determination of the use of funds for the program for which the fund was created.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248,s 24, eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 2010, ch. 931, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-13-117 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 13 / Section 49-13-117
Leaves of absence for teachers
Status: in_force

(a) If a teacher employed by an LEA makes a written request for an extended leave of absence to teach at a public charter school, the LEA may grant the leave. Any extensions are at the discretion of the LEA. The leave shall be governed by chapter 5, part 7 of this title, including, but not limited to, reinstatement, notice of intention to return, seniority, salary and insurance. (b) (1) The years of service acquired by a teacher while on a leave of absence to teach at a public charter school shall be used by the local board to obtain or determine tenure status; provided, that when the teacher returns to the traditional LEA from the charter school, the teacher receives two (2) consecutive years of evaluations demonstrating an overall performance effectiveness level of "above expectations" or "significantly above expectations" as required by § 49-5-504 . (2) If a teacher does not receive two (2) consecutive years of evaluations demonstrating an overall performance effectiveness level of "above expectations" or "significantly above expectations" pursuant to subdivision (b)(1), then the time the teacher was on leave of absence to teach at the public charter school shall not be used by the local board to determine tenure status of the teacher. (c) For salary rating purposes, a teacher shall receive credit for years of service acquired while teaching at a public charter school. (d) This section applies to public charter schools authorized pursuant to this chapter. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, s 60, eff. 4/26/2019. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 265, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 265, s 2, eff. 7/1/2015. Acts 2002, ch. 850, § 17.
(a) If a teacher employed by an LEA makes a written request for an extended leave of absence to teach at a public charter school, the LEA may grant the leave. Any extensions are at the discretion of the LEA. The leave shall be governed by chapter 5, part 7 of this title, including, but not limited to, reinstatement, notice of intention to return, seniority, salary and insurance.
(b) (1) The years of service acquired by a teacher while on a leave of absence to teach at a public charter school shall be used by the local board to obtain or determine tenure status; provided, that when the teacher returns to the traditional LEA from the charter school, the teacher receives two (2) consecutive years of evaluations demonstrating an overall performance effectiveness level of "above expectations" or "significantly above expectations" as required by § 49-5-504 . (2) If a teacher does not receive two (2) consecutive years of evaluations demonstrating an overall performance effectiveness level of "above expectations" or "significantly above expectations" pursuant to subdivision (b)(1), then the time the teacher was on leave of absence to teach at the public charter school shall not be used by the local board to determine tenure status of the teacher.
(1) The years of service acquired by a teacher while on a leave of absence to teach at a public charter school shall be used by the local board to obtain or determine tenure status; provided, that when the teacher returns to the traditional LEA from the charter school, the teacher receives two (2) consecutive years of evaluations demonstrating an overall performance effectiveness level of "above expectations" or "significantly above expectations" as required by § 49-5-504 .
(2) If a teacher does not receive two (2) consecutive years of evaluations demonstrating an overall performance effectiveness level of "above expectations" or "significantly above expectations" pursuant to subdivision (b)(1), then the time the teacher was on leave of absence to teach at the public charter school shall not be used by the local board to determine tenure status of the teacher.
(c) For salary rating purposes, a teacher shall receive credit for years of service acquired while teaching at a public charter school.
(d) This section applies to public charter schools authorized pursuant to this chapter.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, s 60, eff. 4/26/2019.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 265, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 265, s 2, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 2002, ch. 850, § 17.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-11-610 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 49-11-610
Eligibility for services
Status: in_force

Vocational rehabilitation services shall be provided to any individual with a disability in accordance with a policy or policies promulgated by the department: (1) Whose vocational rehabilitation the director determines, after full investigation, can be satisfactorily achieved; or (2) Who is eligible for vocational rehabilitation under the terms of an agreement with the federal government. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 204,s 37, eff. 4/25/2019. Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 21; Shan. Supp., § 1487a155; Code 1932, § 2482; Acts 1947, ch. 93, § 9; C. Supp. 1950, § 2482; Acts 1969, ch. 215, § 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-2811; Acts 2011, ch. 47, § 43.
Vocational rehabilitation services shall be provided to any individual with a disability in accordance with a policy or policies promulgated by the department:
(1) Whose vocational rehabilitation the director determines, after full investigation, can be satisfactorily achieved; or
(2) Who is eligible for vocational rehabilitation under the terms of an agreement with the federal government.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 204,s 37, eff. 4/25/2019.
Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 21; Shan. Supp., § 1487a155; Code 1932, § 2482; Acts 1947, ch. 93, § 9; C. Supp. 1950, § 2482; Acts 1969, ch. 215, § 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-2811; Acts 2011, ch. 47, § 43.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-5619 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-5619
Foundational literacy skills standards - Training on reading instruction - Reading instruction test - Report on first-time pass rate
Status: in_force

(a) By July 31, 2021: (1) The department shall develop and submit to the state board for approval, foundational literacy skills standards for use by all educator preparation providers for the instruction of candidates seeking a license to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3); (2) The department shall develop and submit to the state board for approval, foundational literacy skills standards for use by educator preparation providers in instructional leadership specialty area programs for the instruction of candidates seeking an instructional leader license; (3) The foundational literacy skills standards must include, at a minimum: (A) How to effectively teach the foundational literacy skills of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension; (B) How to differentiate instruction for teaching students with advanced reading skills and students with significant reading deficiencies, as defined in § 49-1-903 ; (C) Dyslexia identification and providing effective instruction for teaching students with dyslexia using appropriate scientific research and brain-based multisensory intervention methods and strategies consistent with § 49-6-3004(c)(1)(A) ; (D) How to implement reading instruction using high-quality instructional materials; (E) Behavior management, trauma-informed principles and practices for the classroom, and other developmentally appropriate supports to ensure that students can effectively access reading instruction; and (F) How to administer universal reading screeners to students and use the resulting data to improve reading instruction for students. (b) (1) Beginning August 1, 2022, educator preparation providers must provide to candidates seeking licensure to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3), as well as candidates seeking an instructional leader license, training on reading instruction focused primarily on the foundational literacy skills standards developed and approved in accordance with subsection (a). (2) (A) By August 1, 2024, and by each August 1 thereafter, the department, in consultation with the state board, shall annually report to the education committees of the senate and house of representatives the number and percentage of persons licensed to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) who are employed in Tennessee schools; who are trained by a state board-approved educator preparation provider or another entity responsible for managing, operating, or coordinating programs for the preparation and licensure of teachers, school leaders, and other school personnel; and who earned, for the immediately preceding school year, an overall performance evaluation level of "significantly above expectations," "above expectations," "at expectations," "below expectations," and "significantly below expectations." Notwithstanding § 49-5-5614 , the department shall publish the report on the department's website. (B) The report required by subdivision (b)(2)(A) must include the following information in both a graphic and tabular format: (i) The numbers and percentages calculated pursuant to subdivision (b)(2)(A) for each of the three (3) most recent years of teacher overall performance evaluation level scores, aggregated by year and program; (ii) The annual percentage by which each program is expected to reduce the percentage of persons licensed to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) who are employed in Tennessee schools; trained under this section; and who earned, for the immediately preceding school year, an overall performance evaluation level score of "below expectations," or "significantly below expectations," as determined by the department; (iii) How the number and percentage of persons licensed to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) who are employed in a Tennessee school; trained by a state board-approved educator preparation provider or another entity responsible for managing, operating, or coordinating programs for the preparation and licensure of teachers, school leaders, and other school personnel; and who earned, for the immediately preceding school year, an overall performance evaluation level score of "below expectations" or "significantly below expectations" change over time, aggregated by year and program; and (iv) A comparison of the changes in percentages of overall performance evaluation level scores described in subdivision (b)(2)(B)(iii) with the expected reductions in the percentage of licensed teachers described in subdivision (b)(2)(B)(ii), with the programs evaluated on their success in reaching the expected reductions. (C) The state board of education may place on probationary status or revoke the approval of an educator program provider or any other Tennessee educator issuing entity if the program fails to meet the standards established by the state board of education. (D) The state board of education may promulgate rules as necessary to effectuate the requirements of subdivisions (b)(2)(A) and (B). The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. (c) (1) Effective August 1, 2023, an applicable candidate must: (A) Provide a certificate documenting the candidate's passage of a Tennessee reading instruction test developed or identified by the department and approved by the state board that tests the candidate's knowledge of foundational literacy skills instruction, as defined in § 49-1-903 ; or (B) Provide evidence documenting the candidate's completion of a foundational literacy skills instruction course, as described in § 49-1-906 , within the previous year. (2) The department shall recommend to the state board for approval, the score that constitutes passage of the test described in subdivision (c)(1)(A). (3) The department shall provide the test described in subdivision (c)(1)(A) at no cost to the candidate or educator preparation provider. (4) As used in this subsection (c), "applicable candidate" means: (A) A candidate seeking an initial teaching license or endorsement, or renewing a teaching license, that authorizes the candidate to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3); (B) A candidate seeking an initial instructional leader license, or renewing or advancing an instructional leader license; (C) A candidate enrolled in a state-board-approved, post-baccalaureate educator preparation program who holds an initial license authorizing the candidate to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3); who has demonstrated content knowledge in accordance with the state board's rules and policies; and who is seeking renewal or advancement of the initial teaching license; (D) A candidate for an initial teaching license that authorizes the candidate to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) who possesses an active professional-level license in a state that has a reciprocal agreement with the state board pursuant to § 49-5-109 , and who is seeking renewal or advancement of the initial teaching license; (E) A candidate for an initial instructional leader license who possesses an active professional-level license in a state that has a reciprocal agreement with the state board pursuant to § 49-5-109 , and who is seeking renewal or advancement of the initial instructional leader license; or (F) A candidate seeking to renew a professional-level license that authorizes the candidate to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3). (d) The department shall report the first-time pass rate of applicable candidates on the test described in subdivision (c)(1)(A) to the state board. The state board shall include the first-time pass rate of applicable candidates on the test described in subdivision (c)(1)(A) from each approved educator preparation provider in the state board's annual teacher preparation report card prepared pursuant to § 49-5-108 . Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 975, s 1, eff. 5/3/2022. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 974, s 1, eff. 5/3/2022. Added by 2021EX1 Tenn. Acts, ch. 3, s 4, eff. 2/3/2021.
(a) By July 31, 2021: (1) The department shall develop and submit to the state board for approval, foundational literacy skills standards for use by all educator preparation providers for the instruction of candidates seeking a license to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3); (2) The department shall develop and submit to the state board for approval, foundational literacy skills standards for use by educator preparation providers in instructional leadership specialty area programs for the instruction of candidates seeking an instructional leader license; (3) The foundational literacy skills standards must include, at a minimum: (A) How to effectively teach the foundational literacy skills of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension; (B) How to differentiate instruction for teaching students with advanced reading skills and students with significant reading deficiencies, as defined in § 49-1-903 ; (C) Dyslexia identification and providing effective instruction for teaching students with dyslexia using appropriate scientific research and brain-based multisensory intervention methods and strategies consistent with § 49-6-3004(c)(1)(A) ; (D) How to implement reading instruction using high-quality instructional materials; (E) Behavior management, trauma-informed principles and practices for the classroom, and other developmentally appropriate supports to ensure that students can effectively access reading instruction; and (F) How to administer universal reading screeners to students and use the resulting data to improve reading instruction for students.
(1) The department shall develop and submit to the state board for approval, foundational literacy skills standards for use by all educator preparation providers for the instruction of candidates seeking a license to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3);
(2) The department shall develop and submit to the state board for approval, foundational literacy skills standards for use by educator preparation providers in instructional leadership specialty area programs for the instruction of candidates seeking an instructional leader license;
(3) The foundational literacy skills standards must include, at a minimum: (A) How to effectively teach the foundational literacy skills of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension; (B) How to differentiate instruction for teaching students with advanced reading skills and students with significant reading deficiencies, as defined in § 49-1-903 ; (C) Dyslexia identification and providing effective instruction for teaching students with dyslexia using appropriate scientific research and brain-based multisensory intervention methods and strategies consistent with § 49-6-3004(c)(1)(A) ; (D) How to implement reading instruction using high-quality instructional materials; (E) Behavior management, trauma-informed principles and practices for the classroom, and other developmentally appropriate supports to ensure that students can effectively access reading instruction; and (F) How to administer universal reading screeners to students and use the resulting data to improve reading instruction for students.
(A) How to effectively teach the foundational literacy skills of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension;
(B) How to differentiate instruction for teaching students with advanced reading skills and students with significant reading deficiencies, as defined in § 49-1-903 ;
(C) Dyslexia identification and providing effective instruction for teaching students with dyslexia using appropriate scientific research and brain-based multisensory intervention methods and strategies consistent with § 49-6-3004(c)(1)(A) ;
(D) How to implement reading instruction using high-quality instructional materials;
(E) Behavior management, trauma-informed principles and practices for the classroom, and other developmentally appropriate supports to ensure that students can effectively access reading instruction; and
(F) How to administer universal reading screeners to students and use the resulting data to improve reading instruction for students.
(b) (1) Beginning August 1, 2022, educator preparation providers must provide to candidates seeking licensure to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3), as well as candidates seeking an instructional leader license, training on reading instruction focused primarily on the foundational literacy skills standards developed and approved in accordance with subsection (a). (2) (A) By August 1, 2024, and by each August 1 thereafter, the department, in consultation with the state board, shall annually report to the education committees of the senate and house of representatives the number and percentage of persons licensed to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) who are employed in Tennessee schools; who are trained by a state board-approved educator preparation provider or another entity responsible for managing, operating, or coordinating programs for the preparation and licensure of teachers, school leaders, and other school personnel; and who earned, for the immediately preceding school year, an overall performance evaluation level of "significantly above expectations," "above expectations," "at expectations," "below expectations," and "significantly below expectations." Notwithstanding § 49-5-5614 , the department shall publish the report on the department's website. (B) The report required by subdivision (b)(2)(A) must include the following information in both a graphic and tabular format: (i) The numbers and percentages calculated pursuant to subdivision (b)(2)(A) for each of the three (3) most recent years of teacher overall performance evaluation level scores, aggregated by year and program; (ii) The annual percentage by which each program is expected to reduce the percentage of persons licensed to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) who are employed in Tennessee schools; trained under this section; and who earned, for the immediately preceding school year, an overall performance evaluation level score of "below expectations," or "significantly below expectations," as determined by the department; (iii) How the number and percentage of persons licensed to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) who are employed in a Tennessee school; trained by a state board-approved educator preparation provider or another entity responsible for managing, operating, or coordinating programs for the preparation and licensure of teachers, school leaders, and other school personnel; and who earned, for the immediately preceding school year, an overall performance evaluation level score of "below expectations" or "significantly below expectations" change over time, aggregated by year and program; and (iv) A comparison of the changes in percentages of overall performance evaluation level scores described in subdivision (b)(2)(B)(iii) with the expected reductions in the percentage of licensed teachers described in subdivision (b)(2)(B)(ii), with the programs evaluated on their success in reaching the expected reductions. (C) The state board of education may place on probationary status or revoke the approval of an educator program provider or any other Tennessee educator issuing entity if the program fails to meet the standards established by the state board of education. (D) The state board of education may promulgate rules as necessary to effectuate the requirements of subdivisions (b)(2)(A) and (B). The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(1) Beginning August 1, 2022, educator preparation providers must provide to candidates seeking licensure to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3), as well as candidates seeking an instructional leader license, training on reading instruction focused primarily on the foundational literacy skills standards developed and approved in accordance with subsection (a).
(2) (A) By August 1, 2024, and by each August 1 thereafter, the department, in consultation with the state board, shall annually report to the education committees of the senate and house of representatives the number and percentage of persons licensed to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) who are employed in Tennessee schools; who are trained by a state board-approved educator preparation provider or another entity responsible for managing, operating, or coordinating programs for the preparation and licensure of teachers, school leaders, and other school personnel; and who earned, for the immediately preceding school year, an overall performance evaluation level of "significantly above expectations," "above expectations," "at expectations," "below expectations," and "significantly below expectations." Notwithstanding § 49-5-5614 , the department shall publish the report on the department's website. (B) The report required by subdivision (b)(2)(A) must include the following information in both a graphic and tabular format: (i) The numbers and percentages calculated pursuant to subdivision (b)(2)(A) for each of the three (3) most recent years of teacher overall performance evaluation level scores, aggregated by year and program; (ii) The annual percentage by which each program is expected to reduce the percentage of persons licensed to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) who are employed in Tennessee schools; trained under this section; and who earned, for the immediately preceding school year, an overall performance evaluation level score of "below expectations," or "significantly below expectations," as determined by the department; (iii) How the number and percentage of persons licensed to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) who are employed in a Tennessee school; trained by a state board-approved educator preparation provider or another entity responsible for managing, operating, or coordinating programs for the preparation and licensure of teachers, school leaders, and other school personnel; and who earned, for the immediately preceding school year, an overall performance evaluation level score of "below expectations" or "significantly below expectations" change over time, aggregated by year and program; and (iv) A comparison of the changes in percentages of overall performance evaluation level scores described in subdivision (b)(2)(B)(iii) with the expected reductions in the percentage of licensed teachers described in subdivision (b)(2)(B)(ii), with the programs evaluated on their success in reaching the expected reductions. (C) The state board of education may place on probationary status or revoke the approval of an educator program provider or any other Tennessee educator issuing entity if the program fails to meet the standards established by the state board of education. (D) The state board of education may promulgate rules as necessary to effectuate the requirements of subdivisions (b)(2)(A) and (B). The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(A) By August 1, 2024, and by each August 1 thereafter, the department, in consultation with the state board, shall annually report to the education committees of the senate and house of representatives the number and percentage of persons licensed to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) who are employed in Tennessee schools; who are trained by a state board-approved educator preparation provider or another entity responsible for managing, operating, or coordinating programs for the preparation and licensure of teachers, school leaders, and other school personnel; and who earned, for the immediately preceding school year, an overall performance evaluation level of "significantly above expectations," "above expectations," "at expectations," "below expectations," and "significantly below expectations." Notwithstanding § 49-5-5614 , the department shall publish the report on the department's website.
(B) The report required by subdivision (b)(2)(A) must include the following information in both a graphic and tabular format: (i) The numbers and percentages calculated pursuant to subdivision (b)(2)(A) for each of the three (3) most recent years of teacher overall performance evaluation level scores, aggregated by year and program; (ii) The annual percentage by which each program is expected to reduce the percentage of persons licensed to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) who are employed in Tennessee schools; trained under this section; and who earned, for the immediately preceding school year, an overall performance evaluation level score of "below expectations," or "significantly below expectations," as determined by the department; (iii) How the number and percentage of persons licensed to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) who are employed in a Tennessee school; trained by a state board-approved educator preparation provider or another entity responsible for managing, operating, or coordinating programs for the preparation and licensure of teachers, school leaders, and other school personnel; and who earned, for the immediately preceding school year, an overall performance evaluation level score of "below expectations" or "significantly below expectations" change over time, aggregated by year and program; and (iv) A comparison of the changes in percentages of overall performance evaluation level scores described in subdivision (b)(2)(B)(iii) with the expected reductions in the percentage of licensed teachers described in subdivision (b)(2)(B)(ii), with the programs evaluated on their success in reaching the expected reductions.
(i) The numbers and percentages calculated pursuant to subdivision (b)(2)(A) for each of the three (3) most recent years of teacher overall performance evaluation level scores, aggregated by year and program;
(ii) The annual percentage by which each program is expected to reduce the percentage of persons licensed to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) who are employed in Tennessee schools; trained under this section; and who earned, for the immediately preceding school year, an overall performance evaluation level score of "below expectations," or "significantly below expectations," as determined by the department;
(iii) How the number and percentage of persons licensed to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) who are employed in a Tennessee school; trained by a state board-approved educator preparation provider or another entity responsible for managing, operating, or coordinating programs for the preparation and licensure of teachers, school leaders, and other school personnel; and who earned, for the immediately preceding school year, an overall performance evaluation level score of "below expectations" or "significantly below expectations" change over time, aggregated by year and program; and
(iv) A comparison of the changes in percentages of overall performance evaluation level scores described in subdivision (b)(2)(B)(iii) with the expected reductions in the percentage of licensed teachers described in subdivision (b)(2)(B)(ii), with the programs evaluated on their success in reaching the expected reductions.
(C) The state board of education may place on probationary status or revoke the approval of an educator program provider or any other Tennessee educator issuing entity if the program fails to meet the standards established by the state board of education.
(D) The state board of education may promulgate rules as necessary to effectuate the requirements of subdivisions (b)(2)(A) and (B). The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(c) (1) Effective August 1, 2023, an applicable candidate must: (A) Provide a certificate documenting the candidate's passage of a Tennessee reading instruction test developed or identified by the department and approved by the state board that tests the candidate's knowledge of foundational literacy skills instruction, as defined in § 49-1-903 ; or (B) Provide evidence documenting the candidate's completion of a foundational literacy skills instruction course, as described in § 49-1-906 , within the previous year. (2) The department shall recommend to the state board for approval, the score that constitutes passage of the test described in subdivision (c)(1)(A). (3) The department shall provide the test described in subdivision (c)(1)(A) at no cost to the candidate or educator preparation provider. (4) As used in this subsection (c), "applicable candidate" means: (A) A candidate seeking an initial teaching license or endorsement, or renewing a teaching license, that authorizes the candidate to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3); (B) A candidate seeking an initial instructional leader license, or renewing or advancing an instructional leader license; (C) A candidate enrolled in a state-board-approved, post-baccalaureate educator preparation program who holds an initial license authorizing the candidate to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3); who has demonstrated content knowledge in accordance with the state board's rules and policies; and who is seeking renewal or advancement of the initial teaching license; (D) A candidate for an initial teaching license that authorizes the candidate to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) who possesses an active professional-level license in a state that has a reciprocal agreement with the state board pursuant to § 49-5-109 , and who is seeking renewal or advancement of the initial teaching license; (E) A candidate for an initial instructional leader license who possesses an active professional-level license in a state that has a reciprocal agreement with the state board pursuant to § 49-5-109 , and who is seeking renewal or advancement of the initial instructional leader license; or (F) A candidate seeking to renew a professional-level license that authorizes the candidate to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3).
(1) Effective August 1, 2023, an applicable candidate must: (A) Provide a certificate documenting the candidate's passage of a Tennessee reading instruction test developed or identified by the department and approved by the state board that tests the candidate's knowledge of foundational literacy skills instruction, as defined in § 49-1-903 ; or (B) Provide evidence documenting the candidate's completion of a foundational literacy skills instruction course, as described in § 49-1-906 , within the previous year.
(A) Provide a certificate documenting the candidate's passage of a Tennessee reading instruction test developed or identified by the department and approved by the state board that tests the candidate's knowledge of foundational literacy skills instruction, as defined in § 49-1-903 ; or
(B) Provide evidence documenting the candidate's completion of a foundational literacy skills instruction course, as described in § 49-1-906 , within the previous year.
(2) The department shall recommend to the state board for approval, the score that constitutes passage of the test described in subdivision (c)(1)(A).
(3) The department shall provide the test described in subdivision (c)(1)(A) at no cost to the candidate or educator preparation provider.
(4) As used in this subsection (c), "applicable candidate" means: (A) A candidate seeking an initial teaching license or endorsement, or renewing a teaching license, that authorizes the candidate to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3); (B) A candidate seeking an initial instructional leader license, or renewing or advancing an instructional leader license; (C) A candidate enrolled in a state-board-approved, post-baccalaureate educator preparation program who holds an initial license authorizing the candidate to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3); who has demonstrated content knowledge in accordance with the state board's rules and policies; and who is seeking renewal or advancement of the initial teaching license; (D) A candidate for an initial teaching license that authorizes the candidate to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) who possesses an active professional-level license in a state that has a reciprocal agreement with the state board pursuant to § 49-5-109 , and who is seeking renewal or advancement of the initial teaching license; (E) A candidate for an initial instructional leader license who possesses an active professional-level license in a state that has a reciprocal agreement with the state board pursuant to § 49-5-109 , and who is seeking renewal or advancement of the initial instructional leader license; or (F) A candidate seeking to renew a professional-level license that authorizes the candidate to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3).
(A) A candidate seeking an initial teaching license or endorsement, or renewing a teaching license, that authorizes the candidate to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3);
(B) A candidate seeking an initial instructional leader license, or renewing or advancing an instructional leader license;
(C) A candidate enrolled in a state-board-approved, post-baccalaureate educator preparation program who holds an initial license authorizing the candidate to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3); who has demonstrated content knowledge in accordance with the state board's rules and policies; and who is seeking renewal or advancement of the initial teaching license;
(D) A candidate for an initial teaching license that authorizes the candidate to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) who possesses an active professional-level license in a state that has a reciprocal agreement with the state board pursuant to § 49-5-109 , and who is seeking renewal or advancement of the initial teaching license;
(E) A candidate for an initial instructional leader license who possesses an active professional-level license in a state that has a reciprocal agreement with the state board pursuant to § 49-5-109 , and who is seeking renewal or advancement of the initial instructional leader license; or
(F) A candidate seeking to renew a professional-level license that authorizes the candidate to teach students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3).
(d) The department shall report the first-time pass rate of applicable candidates on the test described in subdivision (c)(1)(A) to the state board. The state board shall include the first-time pass rate of applicable candidates on the test described in subdivision (c)(1)(A) from each approved educator preparation provider in the state board's annual teacher preparation report card prepared pursuant to § 49-5-108 .
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 975, s 1, eff. 5/3/2022.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 974, s 1, eff. 5/3/2022.
Added by 2021EX1 Tenn. Acts, ch. 3, s 4, eff. 2/3/2021.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-1008 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-1008
Allocation of county proceeds to special school districts
Status: in_force

(a) The proceeds of bonds, notes and other debt obligations issued by counties under this part for school purposes shall be shared with special school district systems in the county on the same basis provided for sharing the proceeds of school bonds under this part. The trustee of the county shall pay over to the treasurer of the special school district that amount of the funds that bears the same ratio to the entire amount arising from this part as the average daily attendance of the year ending June 30 next preceding the sale of the bonds, notes or other debt obligations of the special school district bears to the entire average daily attendance of the year ending June 30 next preceding the sale of the bonds, notes or other debt obligation of the county. (b) The governing body of any special school district may, by resolution regularly adopted, waive its right to all or a part of any funds due to it under this part and return the funds to the trustee of the county for the purposes originally provided. (c) (1) If there exists any special school district within the county that operates independently of the county, the county legislative body, in its discretion, may provide that the bonds, notes or other debt obligations shall be payable from taxes levied only upon that portion of taxable property within the county lying outside the territorial limits of the special school district so independently operated, and taxes sufficient to pay principal and interest on the bonds, notes and other debt obligations shall be so levied upon such portion of the taxable property lying outside the territorial limits of the special school district. However, except as provided in subdivision (c)(2), in no event shall funds that have not previously been apportioned to the special school districts within the county be used for the retirement of the principal or interest on the bonds, notes or other debt obligations. (2) If the bonds, notes or other debt obligations being issued are payable from a tax levied only on that portion of the taxable property within the county lying outside the territorial limits of a special school district that operates independently of the county, then no part of the proceeds of the bonds, notes or other debt obligations shall be paid over to the special school district. (d) This section shall be applicable only in counties of Class 3, subclass B, as established by § 8-24-101 . Acts 1993, ch. 525, § 1.
(a) The proceeds of bonds, notes and other debt obligations issued by counties under this part for school purposes shall be shared with special school district systems in the county on the same basis provided for sharing the proceeds of school bonds under this part. The trustee of the county shall pay over to the treasurer of the special school district that amount of the funds that bears the same ratio to the entire amount arising from this part as the average daily attendance of the year ending June 30 next preceding the sale of the bonds, notes or other debt obligations of the special school district bears to the entire average daily attendance of the year ending June 30 next preceding the sale of the bonds, notes or other debt obligation of the county.
(b) The governing body of any special school district may, by resolution regularly adopted, waive its right to all or a part of any funds due to it under this part and return the funds to the trustee of the county for the purposes originally provided.
(c) (1) If there exists any special school district within the county that operates independently of the county, the county legislative body, in its discretion, may provide that the bonds, notes or other debt obligations shall be payable from taxes levied only upon that portion of taxable property within the county lying outside the territorial limits of the special school district so independently operated, and taxes sufficient to pay principal and interest on the bonds, notes and other debt obligations shall be so levied upon such portion of the taxable property lying outside the territorial limits of the special school district. However, except as provided in subdivision (c)(2), in no event shall funds that have not previously been apportioned to the special school districts within the county be used for the retirement of the principal or interest on the bonds, notes or other debt obligations. (2) If the bonds, notes or other debt obligations being issued are payable from a tax levied only on that portion of the taxable property within the county lying outside the territorial limits of a special school district that operates independently of the county, then no part of the proceeds of the bonds, notes or other debt obligations shall be paid over to the special school district.
(1) If there exists any special school district within the county that operates independently of the county, the county legislative body, in its discretion, may provide that the bonds, notes or other debt obligations shall be payable from taxes levied only upon that portion of taxable property within the county lying outside the territorial limits of the special school district so independently operated, and taxes sufficient to pay principal and interest on the bonds, notes and other debt obligations shall be so levied upon such portion of the taxable property lying outside the territorial limits of the special school district. However, except as provided in subdivision (c)(2), in no event shall funds that have not previously been apportioned to the special school districts within the county be used for the retirement of the principal or interest on the bonds, notes or other debt obligations.
(2) If the bonds, notes or other debt obligations being issued are payable from a tax levied only on that portion of the taxable property within the county lying outside the territorial limits of a special school district that operates independently of the county, then no part of the proceeds of the bonds, notes or other debt obligations shall be paid over to the special school district.
(d) This section shall be applicable only in counties of Class 3, subclass B, as established by § 8-24-101 .
Acts 1993, ch. 525, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-911 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-911
Prohibited state influence - Stations extended enumerated freedoms
Status: in_force

(a) No official of state government shall have the authority to attempt to influence the content of any individual program or series of programs or to influence the treatment of any subject by any eligible station as defined by this part. (b) All eligible stations as defined in this part are extended the same protections of freedom of press and freedom from search and seizure as are extended to other journalistic enterprises in this state. Acts 1984, ch. 514, § 11.
(a) No official of state government shall have the authority to attempt to influence the content of any individual program or series of programs or to influence the treatment of any subject by any eligible station as defined by this part.
(b) All eligible stations as defined in this part are extended the same protections of freedom of press and freedom from search and seizure as are extended to other journalistic enterprises in this state.
Acts 1984, ch. 514, § 11.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-11-106 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 49-11-106
Replacement or transfer of state-owned property
Status: in_force

(a) Any LEA that has received state-owned personal property for use in its career and technical education programs may request special approval from the commissioner of education permitting it to trade in for replacement equipment any state-owned item of career and technical equipment in its possession whose initial acquisition cost exceeded three hundred dollars ($300). (b) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the commissioner may grant the permission requested in subsection (a) under guidelines developed by the division of career and technical education. The guidelines shall include, but not be limited to, such matters as a replacement schedule, age, repair history and technical usefulness of the equipment. The cost difference of replacement equipment acquired under this plan shall be borne by the LEA, and title to the replacement equipment shall remain with the department. (c) The commissioner's approval granted under subsections (a) and (b) is sufficient to convey clear title to any equipment traded in under this section. The division of career and technical education shall maintain an inventory of all equipment, individually identified by description and serial number, that has been traded in or acquired under this section. (d) Any personal property now on state inventory and used by an LEA for career and technical education programs in a nonstate-owned facility is transferred upon request to the respective custodial LEA, which is vested with clear title to the property. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 55,s 12, eff. 4/6/2015. Acts 1984, ch. 738, §§ 1-3; 1986, ch. 683, § 1.
(a) Any LEA that has received state-owned personal property for use in its career and technical education programs may request special approval from the commissioner of education permitting it to trade in for replacement equipment any state-owned item of career and technical equipment in its possession whose initial acquisition cost exceeded three hundred dollars ($300).
(b) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the commissioner may grant the permission requested in subsection (a) under guidelines developed by the division of career and technical education. The guidelines shall include, but not be limited to, such matters as a replacement schedule, age, repair history and technical usefulness of the equipment. The cost difference of replacement equipment acquired under this plan shall be borne by the LEA, and title to the replacement equipment shall remain with the department.
(c) The commissioner's approval granted under subsections (a) and (b) is sufficient to convey clear title to any equipment traded in under this section. The division of career and technical education shall maintain an inventory of all equipment, individually identified by description and serial number, that has been traded in or acquired under this section.
(d) Any personal property now on state inventory and used by an LEA for career and technical education programs in a nonstate-owned facility is transferred upon request to the respective custodial LEA, which is vested with clear title to the property.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 55,s 12, eff. 4/6/2015.
Acts 1984, ch. 738, §§ 1-3; 1986, ch. 683, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-8104 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-8104
No graduation requirement to prevent early graduation
Status: in_force

(a) The state board of education or a local board of education shall not impose graduation requirements that would prohibit a student who is pursuing an early graduation program under § 49-6-8103 from completing high school in less than four (4) years. (b) This section shall not apply in any county having a population of not less than one hundred eighty-three thousand one hundred (183,100) nor more than one hundred eighty-three thousand two hundred (183,200), according to the 2010 federal census or any subsequent federal census. Acts 2011, ch. 488, § 5; 2012, ch. 1077, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-6-8304
(a) The state board of education or a local board of education shall not impose graduation requirements that would prohibit a student who is pursuing an early graduation program under § 49-6-8103 from completing high school in less than four (4) years.
(b) This section shall not apply in any county having a population of not less than one hundred eighty-three thousand one hundred (183,100) nor more than one hundred eighty-three thousand two hundred (183,200), according to the 2010 federal census or any subsequent federal census.
Acts 2011, ch. 488, § 5; 2012, ch. 1077, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-6-8304
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1401 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1401
Implementation of program - Requirements - Reporting of data
Status: in_force

(a) LEAs are authorized to implement a program that identifies public school children who are at risk for obesity. Those schools systems that choose to carry out such a program shall: (1) Have sufficient number of current school staff or school volunteers trained in taking a body mass index (BMI) to meet the requirements of this part. The department of health shall develop and provide training materials to the LEAs; (2) Complete a body mass index for age (BMI-for-age), as defined by the centers for disease control and prevention, on every child enrolled for classes in the school system whose parents or guardians have not requested exclusion from the testing; and (3) Provide each student's parents or guardians with a confidential health report card that represents the result of the child's BMI-for-age screening, along with basic educational information on what the results mean and what the parents or guardians should do with the information. (b) School systems that carry out the program shall transmit the results of the testing for each student to the department of health. Acts 2005, ch. 194, § 2.
(a) LEAs are authorized to implement a program that identifies public school children who are at risk for obesity. Those schools systems that choose to carry out such a program shall: (1) Have sufficient number of current school staff or school volunteers trained in taking a body mass index (BMI) to meet the requirements of this part. The department of health shall develop and provide training materials to the LEAs; (2) Complete a body mass index for age (BMI-for-age), as defined by the centers for disease control and prevention, on every child enrolled for classes in the school system whose parents or guardians have not requested exclusion from the testing; and (3) Provide each student's parents or guardians with a confidential health report card that represents the result of the child's BMI-for-age screening, along with basic educational information on what the results mean and what the parents or guardians should do with the information.
(1) Have sufficient number of current school staff or school volunteers trained in taking a body mass index (BMI) to meet the requirements of this part. The department of health shall develop and provide training materials to the LEAs;
(2) Complete a body mass index for age (BMI-for-age), as defined by the centers for disease control and prevention, on every child enrolled for classes in the school system whose parents or guardians have not requested exclusion from the testing; and
(3) Provide each student's parents or guardians with a confidential health report card that represents the result of the child's BMI-for-age screening, along with basic educational information on what the results mean and what the parents or guardians should do with the information.
(b) School systems that carry out the program shall transmit the results of the testing for each student to the department of health.
Acts 2005, ch. 194, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-204 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-204
Driver education and training courses in public schools
Status: in_force

(a) In order to expand driver education throughout the public schools of this state and to promote safety on the highways, the department of education is directed to promote and expand driver education and training courses throughout the public schools of this state. The courses shall include an area of instruction dealing with the effects of the consumption of alcoholic beverages on driving abilities. (b) To the amount apportioned to the department to promote and expand driver education throughout the public schools of this state and promote safety on the highways, pursuant to §§ 67-4-602 - 67-4-606, shall be added the annual appropriation of state funds for the driver education program. The funds appropriated to the department may be used for matching any federal funds that may become available for driver education under the Highway Safety Act of 1966, P.L. 89-564 ( 23 U.S.C. § 401 et seq.). Acts 1965, ch. 302, §§ 1, 3; 1969, ch. 25, § 1; 1972, ch. 693, § 2; 1981, ch. 488, § 5; T.C.A., § 49-115; Acts 1985, ch. 443, § 3.
(a) In order to expand driver education throughout the public schools of this state and to promote safety on the highways, the department of education is directed to promote and expand driver education and training courses throughout the public schools of this state. The courses shall include an area of instruction dealing with the effects of the consumption of alcoholic beverages on driving abilities.
(b) To the amount apportioned to the department to promote and expand driver education throughout the public schools of this state and promote safety on the highways, pursuant to §§ 67-4-602 - 67-4-606, shall be added the annual appropriation of state funds for the driver education program. The funds appropriated to the department may be used for matching any federal funds that may become available for driver education under the Highway Safety Act of 1966, P.L. 89-564 ( 23 U.S.C. § 401 et seq.).
Acts 1965, ch. 302, §§ 1, 3; 1969, ch. 25, § 1; 1972, ch. 693, § 2; 1981, ch. 488, § 5; T.C.A., § 49-115; Acts 1985, ch. 443, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-1603 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-1603
Director - Faculty and staff
Status: in_force

(a) By March 1, 2023, the board of fellows, or a committee of the board selected by the board, shall conduct a national search and transmit to the chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville a list of finalists for the position of director. The chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville shall provide all necessary administrative support for the search. The chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville shall appoint the director from the list of finalists provided by the board of fellows. If the position of director becomes vacant, then the same process must be followed to appoint a new director. During the period beginning when the position of director becomes vacant and when a new director is appointed, the chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville may designate a member of the institute's faculty to serve as acting director. The chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville may remove the director in accordance with the policies and procedures of the University of Tennessee. (b) The director shall report to the chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (c) Except for the appointment of the director as provided in subsection (a), the director shall make all faculty and staff hiring decisions. The director shall operate the institute in accordance with the policies and procedures of the University of Tennessee. (d) Faculty of the institute may be awarded tenure subject to the tenure policies of the University of Tennessee as adopted by the board of trustees, and shall not be required to gain joint appointment in another division of the University of Tennessee. (e) By September 1, 2023, and by each September 1 thereafter, the director shall develop and provide an annual strategic plan for the institute to the chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; the president of the University of Tennessee system; and the board of fellows. Acts 2022, ch. 963, § 1.
(a) By March 1, 2023, the board of fellows, or a committee of the board selected by the board, shall conduct a national search and transmit to the chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville a list of finalists for the position of director. The chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville shall provide all necessary administrative support for the search. The chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville shall appoint the director from the list of finalists provided by the board of fellows. If the position of director becomes vacant, then the same process must be followed to appoint a new director. During the period beginning when the position of director becomes vacant and when a new director is appointed, the chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville may designate a member of the institute's faculty to serve as acting director. The chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville may remove the director in accordance with the policies and procedures of the University of Tennessee.
(b) The director shall report to the chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
(c) Except for the appointment of the director as provided in subsection (a), the director shall make all faculty and staff hiring decisions. The director shall operate the institute in accordance with the policies and procedures of the University of Tennessee.
(d) Faculty of the institute may be awarded tenure subject to the tenure policies of the University of Tennessee as adopted by the board of trustees, and shall not be required to gain joint appointment in another division of the University of Tennessee.
(e) By September 1, 2023, and by each September 1 thereafter, the director shall develop and provide an annual strategic plan for the institute to the chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; the president of the University of Tennessee system; and the board of fellows.
Acts 2022, ch. 963, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-107 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-107
Establishment of foundations - Code of ethics
Status: in_force

(a) The board of regents, the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, and state university boards are authorized and empowered to take such steps, to enter into such agreements, and to do whatever they deem necessary to the establishment of foundations for the state institutions of higher education under their control. (b) All annual reports and all books of accounts and financial records of a foundation created for the benefit of a public institution of higher education shall be subject to audit by the comptroller of the treasury. (c) Any foundation created pursuant to this section shall establish and adopt a code of ethics that shall apply to and govern the conduct of all members of the foundation board. (d) (1) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of its membership, the foundation board may remove any appointed member of the foundation board for a material violation of the code of ethics. (2) A foundation board vote to remove a member shall only be taken after the accused member has been afforded an opportunity to address the board in connection with the alleged violation. (3) If a member is removed in accordance with this subsection (d), the position shall be considered vacant and the vacancy shall be filled as provided by the foundation's bylaws. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 602,s 6, eff. 3/23/2018. Acts 1965, ch. 42, § 1; 1973, ch. 144, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-3232; Acts 2003, ch. 391, § 1; 2004, ch. 879, § 1; 2006, ch. 541, § 1.
(a) The board of regents, the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, and state university boards are authorized and empowered to take such steps, to enter into such agreements, and to do whatever they deem necessary to the establishment of foundations for the state institutions of higher education under their control.
(b) All annual reports and all books of accounts and financial records of a foundation created for the benefit of a public institution of higher education shall be subject to audit by the comptroller of the treasury.
(c) Any foundation created pursuant to this section shall establish and adopt a code of ethics that shall apply to and govern the conduct of all members of the foundation board.
(d) (1) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of its membership, the foundation board may remove any appointed member of the foundation board for a material violation of the code of ethics. (2) A foundation board vote to remove a member shall only be taken after the accused member has been afforded an opportunity to address the board in connection with the alleged violation. (3) If a member is removed in accordance with this subsection (d), the position shall be considered vacant and the vacancy shall be filled as provided by the foundation's bylaws.
(1) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of its membership, the foundation board may remove any appointed member of the foundation board for a material violation of the code of ethics.
(2) A foundation board vote to remove a member shall only be taken after the accused member has been afforded an opportunity to address the board in connection with the alleged violation.
(3) If a member is removed in accordance with this subsection (d), the position shall be considered vacant and the vacancy shall be filled as provided by the foundation's bylaws.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 602,s 6, eff. 3/23/2018.
Acts 1965, ch. 42, § 1; 1973, ch. 144, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-3232; Acts 2003, ch. 391, § 1; 2004, ch. 879, § 1; 2006, ch. 541, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-944 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-944
Tennessee reconnect grant
Status: in_force

(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee reconnect grant." (b) Except for the definitions provided in this subsection (b), the definitions in § 49-4-902 shall apply to this section: (1) "Academic year" means three (3) consecutive semesters beginning with a fall semester and including the immediately following spring and summer semesters; (2) "Eligible postsecondary institution" means a postsecondary institution that is eligible for the Tennessee education lottery scholarship, as defined in § 49-4-902 , on July 1, 2013, and remains eligible thereafter; (3) "Eligible program of study" means a federal Title IV-eligible curriculum of courses leading to a certificate or associate degree; and (4) "Gift aid" means financial aid received from the federal Pell grant, the Tennessee education lottery scholarship, or the Tennessee student assistance award. (c) To be eligible for a Tennessee reconnect grant, a student must: (1) Not have previously earned an associate or baccalaureate degree; (2) Not be ineligible for the grant under § 49-4-904 ; (3) Have been a resident of this state as required by § 49-4-905(a)(1) ; (4) Complete the FAFSA for each academic year in which the Tennessee reconnect grant is received in accordance with the schedule determined by TSAC; (5) Be at least twenty-three (23) years of age by January 1 of the academic year in which the student enrolls in courses leading to completion of an eligible program of study, or be an independent student as determined by the FAFSA; (6) Be admitted to an eligible postsecondary institution and enrolled in courses leading to completion of an eligible program of study; and (7) Participate in a college success program through the Tennessee reconnect community initiative as created by the Tennessee higher education commission. (d) To continue to be eligible for a Tennessee reconnect grant, a student shall: (1) Enroll in classes at an eligible postsecondary institution that lead to completion of an eligible program of study; (2) Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 at the end of each academic year as determined by the institution attended; (3) Maintain continuous enrollment at an eligible postsecondary institution; (4) Complete the renewal FAFSA each academic year as specified by TSAC; (5) Attend at least as a part-time student; and (6) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.] (e) If a student ceases to be eligible for the Tennessee reconnect grant at any time, then the student shall not be eligible to regain the grant. (f) (1) If a student is awarded a Tennessee reconnect grant, then the student may continue to receive a Tennessee reconnect grant under this section until the occurrence of the first of the following events: (A) The student has attained a degree or certificate in an eligible program of study; or (B) Five (5) years have passed since the date of the student's enrollment in a term in which the student receives the student's first Tennessee reconnect grant, excluding any approved leave of absence. (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (f)(1)(A), a student may continue to receive a Tennessee reconnect grant for an associate degree after the student completes a certificate that directly leads to the associate degree program. (3) Notwithstanding subsection (e), a student who has an approved medical or personal leave of absence from the student's eligible postsecondary institution may continue to receive the grant upon resuming the eligible program of study at the eligible postsecondary institution so long as the student continues to meet all applicable eligibility requirements. (g) A student who receives a Tennessee reconnect grant may transfer from one eligible postsecondary institution to another eligible postsecondary institution without loss of the grant so long as the student continues to meet all eligibility requirements for the grant. (h) Subject to the amounts appropriated by the general assembly, the amount of a Tennessee reconnect grant shall not exceed the cost of tuition and mandatory fees charged to all students for coursework leading to completion of the eligible program of study at the eligible postsecondary institution attended less all other gift aid, which shall be credited first to tuition and mandatory fees. (i) Notwithstanding subsection (h), the amount of the Tennessee reconnect grant at an eligible four-year public postsecondary institution or an eligible private institution shall be the average cost of tuition and mandatory fees at the public two-year postsecondary institutions less all other gift aid. Gift aid shall be credited first to the average tuition and mandatory fees as described in subsection (h). (j) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.] (k) The comptroller of the treasury, through the comptroller's office of research and education accountability, shall review and study the Tennessee reconnect grant program to determine the effectiveness of the program. The study shall be done in the third year of the program and every four (4) years thereafter. The office of research and education accountability shall report its findings and conclusions to the speakers of the senate and house of representatives and the education committees of the senate and house of representatives by December 31 each year a report is prepared. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1116, s 5, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1107, Secs.s21, s22 eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1107, s 20, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 69, eff. 8/1/2020. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 695, s 6, eff. 8/1/2018. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 448, s 1, eff. 8/1/2018.
(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee reconnect grant."
(b) Except for the definitions provided in this subsection (b), the definitions in § 49-4-902 shall apply to this section: (1) "Academic year" means three (3) consecutive semesters beginning with a fall semester and including the immediately following spring and summer semesters; (2) "Eligible postsecondary institution" means a postsecondary institution that is eligible for the Tennessee education lottery scholarship, as defined in § 49-4-902 , on July 1, 2013, and remains eligible thereafter; (3) "Eligible program of study" means a federal Title IV-eligible curriculum of courses leading to a certificate or associate degree; and (4) "Gift aid" means financial aid received from the federal Pell grant, the Tennessee education lottery scholarship, or the Tennessee student assistance award.
(1) "Academic year" means three (3) consecutive semesters beginning with a fall semester and including the immediately following spring and summer semesters;
(2) "Eligible postsecondary institution" means a postsecondary institution that is eligible for the Tennessee education lottery scholarship, as defined in § 49-4-902 , on July 1, 2013, and remains eligible thereafter;
(3) "Eligible program of study" means a federal Title IV-eligible curriculum of courses leading to a certificate or associate degree; and
(4) "Gift aid" means financial aid received from the federal Pell grant, the Tennessee education lottery scholarship, or the Tennessee student assistance award.
(c) To be eligible for a Tennessee reconnect grant, a student must: (1) Not have previously earned an associate or baccalaureate degree; (2) Not be ineligible for the grant under § 49-4-904 ; (3) Have been a resident of this state as required by § 49-4-905(a)(1) ; (4) Complete the FAFSA for each academic year in which the Tennessee reconnect grant is received in accordance with the schedule determined by TSAC; (5) Be at least twenty-three (23) years of age by January 1 of the academic year in which the student enrolls in courses leading to completion of an eligible program of study, or be an independent student as determined by the FAFSA; (6) Be admitted to an eligible postsecondary institution and enrolled in courses leading to completion of an eligible program of study; and (7) Participate in a college success program through the Tennessee reconnect community initiative as created by the Tennessee higher education commission.
(1) Not have previously earned an associate or baccalaureate degree;
(2) Not be ineligible for the grant under § 49-4-904 ;
(3) Have been a resident of this state as required by § 49-4-905(a)(1) ;
(4) Complete the FAFSA for each academic year in which the Tennessee reconnect grant is received in accordance with the schedule determined by TSAC;
(5) Be at least twenty-three (23) years of age by January 1 of the academic year in which the student enrolls in courses leading to completion of an eligible program of study, or be an independent student as determined by the FAFSA;
(6) Be admitted to an eligible postsecondary institution and enrolled in courses leading to completion of an eligible program of study; and
(7) Participate in a college success program through the Tennessee reconnect community initiative as created by the Tennessee higher education commission.
(d) To continue to be eligible for a Tennessee reconnect grant, a student shall: (1) Enroll in classes at an eligible postsecondary institution that lead to completion of an eligible program of study; (2) Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 at the end of each academic year as determined by the institution attended; (3) Maintain continuous enrollment at an eligible postsecondary institution; (4) Complete the renewal FAFSA each academic year as specified by TSAC; (5) Attend at least as a part-time student; and (6) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.]
(1) Enroll in classes at an eligible postsecondary institution that lead to completion of an eligible program of study;
(2) Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 at the end of each academic year as determined by the institution attended;
(3) Maintain continuous enrollment at an eligible postsecondary institution;
(4) Complete the renewal FAFSA each academic year as specified by TSAC;
(5) Attend at least as a part-time student; and
(6) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.]
(e) If a student ceases to be eligible for the Tennessee reconnect grant at any time, then the student shall not be eligible to regain the grant.
(f) (1) If a student is awarded a Tennessee reconnect grant, then the student may continue to receive a Tennessee reconnect grant under this section until the occurrence of the first of the following events: (A) The student has attained a degree or certificate in an eligible program of study; or (B) Five (5) years have passed since the date of the student's enrollment in a term in which the student receives the student's first Tennessee reconnect grant, excluding any approved leave of absence. (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (f)(1)(A), a student may continue to receive a Tennessee reconnect grant for an associate degree after the student completes a certificate that directly leads to the associate degree program. (3) Notwithstanding subsection (e), a student who has an approved medical or personal leave of absence from the student's eligible postsecondary institution may continue to receive the grant upon resuming the eligible program of study at the eligible postsecondary institution so long as the student continues to meet all applicable eligibility requirements.
(1) If a student is awarded a Tennessee reconnect grant, then the student may continue to receive a Tennessee reconnect grant under this section until the occurrence of the first of the following events: (A) The student has attained a degree or certificate in an eligible program of study; or (B) Five (5) years have passed since the date of the student's enrollment in a term in which the student receives the student's first Tennessee reconnect grant, excluding any approved leave of absence.
(A) The student has attained a degree or certificate in an eligible program of study; or
(B) Five (5) years have passed since the date of the student's enrollment in a term in which the student receives the student's first Tennessee reconnect grant, excluding any approved leave of absence.
(2) Notwithstanding subdivision (f)(1)(A), a student may continue to receive a Tennessee reconnect grant for an associate degree after the student completes a certificate that directly leads to the associate degree program.
(3) Notwithstanding subsection (e), a student who has an approved medical or personal leave of absence from the student's eligible postsecondary institution may continue to receive the grant upon resuming the eligible program of study at the eligible postsecondary institution so long as the student continues to meet all applicable eligibility requirements.
(g) A student who receives a Tennessee reconnect grant may transfer from one eligible postsecondary institution to another eligible postsecondary institution without loss of the grant so long as the student continues to meet all eligibility requirements for the grant.
(h) Subject to the amounts appropriated by the general assembly, the amount of a Tennessee reconnect grant shall not exceed the cost of tuition and mandatory fees charged to all students for coursework leading to completion of the eligible program of study at the eligible postsecondary institution attended less all other gift aid, which shall be credited first to tuition and mandatory fees.
(i) Notwithstanding subsection (h), the amount of the Tennessee reconnect grant at an eligible four-year public postsecondary institution or an eligible private institution shall be the average cost of tuition and mandatory fees at the public two-year postsecondary institutions less all other gift aid. Gift aid shall be credited first to the average tuition and mandatory fees as described in subsection (h).
(j) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.]
(k) The comptroller of the treasury, through the comptroller's office of research and education accountability, shall review and study the Tennessee reconnect grant program to determine the effectiveness of the program. The study shall be done in the third year of the program and every four (4) years thereafter. The office of research and education accountability shall report its findings and conclusions to the speakers of the senate and house of representatives and the education committees of the senate and house of representatives by December 31 each year a report is prepared.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1116, s 5, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1107, Secs.s21, s22 eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1107, s 20, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 69, eff. 8/1/2020.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 695, s 6, eff. 8/1/2018.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 448, s 1, eff. 8/1/2018.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2610 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-2610
Promulgation of rules
Status: in_force

The state board is authorized to promulgate rules to effectuate the purposes of this part. The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 506,s 1, eff. 5/24/2019.
The state board is authorized to promulgate rules to effectuate the purposes of this part. The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 506,s 1, eff. 5/24/2019.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1201 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1201
General provisions
Status: in_force

The course of study to be taught in every high school authorized by part 4 of this chapter shall be adopted by the board of education on the recommendation of the director of schools; provided, that the course or courses shall be in accord with those adopted by the state board of education and should include character education as specified in § 49-6-1007 . Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 14; Shan. Supp., § 1487a95; Code 1932, § 2386; Acts 1931, ch. 71, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 2393.8; Acts 1980, ch. 498, § 5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1111; Acts 1985, ch. 296, § 2.
The course of study to be taught in every high school authorized by part 4 of this chapter shall be adopted by the board of education on the recommendation of the director of schools; provided, that the course or courses shall be in accord with those adopted by the state board of education and should include character education as specified in § 49-6-1007 .
Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 14; Shan. Supp., § 1487a95; Code 1932, § 2386; Acts 1931, ch. 71, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 2393.8; Acts 1980, ch. 498, § 5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1111; Acts 1985, ch. 296, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-111 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-111
TISA reporting
Status: in_force

(a) Each LEA must have the opportunity to provide feedback and recommendations regarding the TISA to the department and the comptroller of the treasury, on a template prescribed by the department, by November 1, 2024, and each November 1 thereafter. (b) By January 15, 2025, and each January 15 thereafter, the department shall deliver a TISA report to the members of the general assembly that contains, at a minimum: (1) An academic analysis of each LEA; (2) The accountability report cards for each LEA; (3) An executive summary of the feedback and recommendations provided by LEAs pursuant to subsection (a); and (4) Reviews of the TISA by relevant experts, including a cost review and recommendations. (c) The department shall make the report generated pursuant to subsection (b) publicly available on the department's website. (d) The comptroller of the treasury, through the comptroller's office of research and education accountability, shall review and study the TISA to determine the effectiveness of state expenditures on kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) education. By December 31, 2024, the comptroller shall report the conclusions of the study and any legislative recommendations to the speakers of the senate and house of representatives and to the members of the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
(a) Each LEA must have the opportunity to provide feedback and recommendations regarding the TISA to the department and the comptroller of the treasury, on a template prescribed by the department, by November 1, 2024, and each November 1 thereafter.
(b) By January 15, 2025, and each January 15 thereafter, the department shall deliver a TISA report to the members of the general assembly that contains, at a minimum: (1) An academic analysis of each LEA; (2) The accountability report cards for each LEA; (3) An executive summary of the feedback and recommendations provided by LEAs pursuant to subsection (a); and (4) Reviews of the TISA by relevant experts, including a cost review and recommendations.
(1) An academic analysis of each LEA;
(2) The accountability report cards for each LEA;
(3) An executive summary of the feedback and recommendations provided by LEAs pursuant to subsection (a); and
(4) Reviews of the TISA by relevant experts, including a cost review and recommendations.
(c) The department shall make the report generated pursuant to subsection (b) publicly available on the department's website.
(d) The comptroller of the treasury, through the comptroller's office of research and education accountability, shall review and study the TISA to determine the effectiveness of state expenditures on kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) education. By December 31, 2024, the comptroller shall report the conclusions of the study and any legislative recommendations to the speakers of the senate and house of representatives and to the members of the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-811 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-811
Contract termination or refund
Status: in_force

(a) (1) A tuition contract may be terminated by the refund recipient under any of the following conditions upon written request of the refund recipient to the board: (A) The death or permanent disability of the beneficiary; (B) The beneficiary is eighteen (18) years of age or older and has decided not to attend an institution of higher education; (C) The beneficiary has completed the requirements for a degree that is less than a bachelor's degree at an institution of higher education and the beneficiary does not plan to pursue further education; or (D) The beneficiary has completed the bachelor's degree requirements at an institution of higher education. (2) A tuition contract may also be terminated upon the occurrence of other circumstances determined by the board to be grounds for termination. (b) The board shall determine the amount of the refund to which the refund recipient is entitled upon a contract termination. (c) The board shall further determine the method and schedule for payment of refunds upon termination of a tuition contract. (d) If a beneficiary is the recipient of a scholarship, a waiver of tuition or similar subvention that the board determines cannot be converted into money by the beneficiary, the board shall, upon the request of the refund recipient and upon being furnished information about the scholarship, waiver or similar subvention: (1) (A) Refund to the refund recipient an amount equal to the value of the tuition benefits in the beneficiary's account that are not needed to cover tuition or other educational costs on account of the scholarship, waiver or similar subvention and that would have otherwise been paid during that academic term at the institution of higher education where the beneficiary is enrolled. The board may, at its sole option, designate the institution of higher education at which the beneficiary is enrolled as the agent of the board for purposes of refunds pursuant to this subdivision (d)(1)(A); (B) If the scholarship, waiver of tuition or similar subvention has a duration that extends beyond one (1) academic term, the refund recipient may request a refund in advance of the scholarship payment. The amount of the refund payable to the refund recipient shall equal the value of the tuition benefits in the beneficiary's account that are not needed to cover tuition or other educational costs on account of the scholarship, waiver or similar subvention. The refund provided by this subdivision (d)(1)(B) shall be determined without regard to any time limits on the use of tuition benefits; (2) Retain the tuition benefits in the beneficiary's account for later use; (3) Transfer the tuition benefits to another qualified tuition plan or program for the benefit of the beneficiary pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the board pursuant to § 49-7-805(16) ; or (4) Transfer the tuition benefits to a new beneficiary pursuant to rules or regulations promulgated by the board pursuant to § 49-7-805(16) . (e) If, in any academic term for which tuition benefits under the program have been used to pay all or part of a beneficiary's tuition or other educational costs, the beneficiary withdraws from the institution of higher education at which the beneficiary is enrolled prior to the end of the academic term, a pro rata share of any refund of tuition or other educational costs as a result of the withdrawal equal to that portion of the tuition or costs paid with tuition benefits under the program shall be made to the board, unless the board designates a different procedure. The board shall credit any refund received, less any reasonable charges and fees provided for by the board, to the appropriate account established pursuant to § 49-7-812(b) . (f) If, after a specified period of time, the contract has not been terminated nor the beneficiary's rights exercised, the board may terminate the contract and report the refund amount to the state treasurer pursuant to title 66, chapter 29, part 1. The refund amount shall be determined by the board pursuant to subsection (b). Prior to termination, the board shall make a reasonable effort to contact the purchaser, the beneficiary and any person designated in the contract to act on behalf of the purchaser or the beneficiary. (g) Unless otherwise provided for in the contract, a tuition contract entered into under this part through the educational savings plan may be terminated by the refund recipient for any reason upon written request of the refund recipient to the board. Termination shall occur no earlier than a maturity period as set by the board after the first contribution is made to the account. The board shall determine the refund amount and the method and schedule for payment of the refund. (h) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the board may promulgate substantive and procedural rules to permit a refund recipient to withdraw part of the balance from an educational investment account established under the educational investment plan without causing termination of the tuition contract and without requiring the refund recipient to establish that the withdrawn amount will be used to pay the tuition or other educational costs of the beneficiary. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 910, s 18, eff. 5/13/2014. Acts 1996, ch. 991, § 1; 1997 , ch. 163, §§ 3, 4; 1998, ch. 644, §§ 7, 8; T.C.A., § 49-7-809 ; Acts 1999, ch. 233, §§ 17 - 20; 2001, ch. 203, §§ 7 - 13; 2002, ch. 547, §§ 2 - 4.
(a) (1) A tuition contract may be terminated by the refund recipient under any of the following conditions upon written request of the refund recipient to the board: (A) The death or permanent disability of the beneficiary; (B) The beneficiary is eighteen (18) years of age or older and has decided not to attend an institution of higher education; (C) The beneficiary has completed the requirements for a degree that is less than a bachelor's degree at an institution of higher education and the beneficiary does not plan to pursue further education; or (D) The beneficiary has completed the bachelor's degree requirements at an institution of higher education. (2) A tuition contract may also be terminated upon the occurrence of other circumstances determined by the board to be grounds for termination.
(1) A tuition contract may be terminated by the refund recipient under any of the following conditions upon written request of the refund recipient to the board: (A) The death or permanent disability of the beneficiary; (B) The beneficiary is eighteen (18) years of age or older and has decided not to attend an institution of higher education; (C) The beneficiary has completed the requirements for a degree that is less than a bachelor's degree at an institution of higher education and the beneficiary does not plan to pursue further education; or (D) The beneficiary has completed the bachelor's degree requirements at an institution of higher education.
(A) The death or permanent disability of the beneficiary;
(B) The beneficiary is eighteen (18) years of age or older and has decided not to attend an institution of higher education;
(C) The beneficiary has completed the requirements for a degree that is less than a bachelor's degree at an institution of higher education and the beneficiary does not plan to pursue further education; or
(D) The beneficiary has completed the bachelor's degree requirements at an institution of higher education.
(2) A tuition contract may also be terminated upon the occurrence of other circumstances determined by the board to be grounds for termination.
(b) The board shall determine the amount of the refund to which the refund recipient is entitled upon a contract termination.
(c) The board shall further determine the method and schedule for payment of refunds upon termination of a tuition contract.
(d) If a beneficiary is the recipient of a scholarship, a waiver of tuition or similar subvention that the board determines cannot be converted into money by the beneficiary, the board shall, upon the request of the refund recipient and upon being furnished information about the scholarship, waiver or similar subvention: (1) (A) Refund to the refund recipient an amount equal to the value of the tuition benefits in the beneficiary's account that are not needed to cover tuition or other educational costs on account of the scholarship, waiver or similar subvention and that would have otherwise been paid during that academic term at the institution of higher education where the beneficiary is enrolled. The board may, at its sole option, designate the institution of higher education at which the beneficiary is enrolled as the agent of the board for purposes of refunds pursuant to this subdivision (d)(1)(A); (B) If the scholarship, waiver of tuition or similar subvention has a duration that extends beyond one (1) academic term, the refund recipient may request a refund in advance of the scholarship payment. The amount of the refund payable to the refund recipient shall equal the value of the tuition benefits in the beneficiary's account that are not needed to cover tuition or other educational costs on account of the scholarship, waiver or similar subvention. The refund provided by this subdivision (d)(1)(B) shall be determined without regard to any time limits on the use of tuition benefits; (2) Retain the tuition benefits in the beneficiary's account for later use; (3) Transfer the tuition benefits to another qualified tuition plan or program for the benefit of the beneficiary pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the board pursuant to § 49-7-805(16) ; or (4) Transfer the tuition benefits to a new beneficiary pursuant to rules or regulations promulgated by the board pursuant to § 49-7-805(16) .
(1) (A) Refund to the refund recipient an amount equal to the value of the tuition benefits in the beneficiary's account that are not needed to cover tuition or other educational costs on account of the scholarship, waiver or similar subvention and that would have otherwise been paid during that academic term at the institution of higher education where the beneficiary is enrolled. The board may, at its sole option, designate the institution of higher education at which the beneficiary is enrolled as the agent of the board for purposes of refunds pursuant to this subdivision (d)(1)(A); (B) If the scholarship, waiver of tuition or similar subvention has a duration that extends beyond one (1) academic term, the refund recipient may request a refund in advance of the scholarship payment. The amount of the refund payable to the refund recipient shall equal the value of the tuition benefits in the beneficiary's account that are not needed to cover tuition or other educational costs on account of the scholarship, waiver or similar subvention. The refund provided by this subdivision (d)(1)(B) shall be determined without regard to any time limits on the use of tuition benefits;
(A) Refund to the refund recipient an amount equal to the value of the tuition benefits in the beneficiary's account that are not needed to cover tuition or other educational costs on account of the scholarship, waiver or similar subvention and that would have otherwise been paid during that academic term at the institution of higher education where the beneficiary is enrolled. The board may, at its sole option, designate the institution of higher education at which the beneficiary is enrolled as the agent of the board for purposes of refunds pursuant to this subdivision (d)(1)(A);
(B) If the scholarship, waiver of tuition or similar subvention has a duration that extends beyond one (1) academic term, the refund recipient may request a refund in advance of the scholarship payment. The amount of the refund payable to the refund recipient shall equal the value of the tuition benefits in the beneficiary's account that are not needed to cover tuition or other educational costs on account of the scholarship, waiver or similar subvention. The refund provided by this subdivision (d)(1)(B) shall be determined without regard to any time limits on the use of tuition benefits;
(2) Retain the tuition benefits in the beneficiary's account for later use;
(3) Transfer the tuition benefits to another qualified tuition plan or program for the benefit of the beneficiary pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the board pursuant to § 49-7-805(16) ; or
(4) Transfer the tuition benefits to a new beneficiary pursuant to rules or regulations promulgated by the board pursuant to § 49-7-805(16) .
(e) If, in any academic term for which tuition benefits under the program have been used to pay all or part of a beneficiary's tuition or other educational costs, the beneficiary withdraws from the institution of higher education at which the beneficiary is enrolled prior to the end of the academic term, a pro rata share of any refund of tuition or other educational costs as a result of the withdrawal equal to that portion of the tuition or costs paid with tuition benefits under the program shall be made to the board, unless the board designates a different procedure. The board shall credit any refund received, less any reasonable charges and fees provided for by the board, to the appropriate account established pursuant to § 49-7-812(b) .
(f) If, after a specified period of time, the contract has not been terminated nor the beneficiary's rights exercised, the board may terminate the contract and report the refund amount to the state treasurer pursuant to title 66, chapter 29, part 1. The refund amount shall be determined by the board pursuant to subsection (b). Prior to termination, the board shall make a reasonable effort to contact the purchaser, the beneficiary and any person designated in the contract to act on behalf of the purchaser or the beneficiary.
(g) Unless otherwise provided for in the contract, a tuition contract entered into under this part through the educational savings plan may be terminated by the refund recipient for any reason upon written request of the refund recipient to the board. Termination shall occur no earlier than a maturity period as set by the board after the first contribution is made to the account. The board shall determine the refund amount and the method and schedule for payment of the refund.
(h) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the board may promulgate substantive and procedural rules to permit a refund recipient to withdraw part of the balance from an educational investment account established under the educational investment plan without causing termination of the tuition contract and without requiring the refund recipient to establish that the withdrawn amount will be used to pay the tuition or other educational costs of the beneficiary.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 910, s 18, eff. 5/13/2014.
Acts 1996, ch. 991, § 1; 1997 , ch. 163, §§ 3, 4; 1998, ch. 644, §§ 7, 8; T.C.A., § 49-7-809 ; Acts 1999, ch. 233, §§ 17 - 20; 2001, ch. 203, §§ 7 - 13; 2002, ch. 547, §§ 2 - 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2904 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2904
Accomplishment of objectives - Memorandum of cooperation
Status: in_force

(a) The commission is authorized and directed to provide all necessary and appropriate guidance, assistance and support to facilitate strategy development and coordinated implementation by the consortium and the partnership to accomplish their respective and mutual key objectives. (b) In furtherance of subsection (a), the commission may enter into one (1) or more memoranda of cooperation with the consortium and the partnership on terms deemed by the commission to be appropriate, mutually beneficial and in the best interest of the consortium and the partnership. Acts 2003, ch. 324, § 1.
(a) The commission is authorized and directed to provide all necessary and appropriate guidance, assistance and support to facilitate strategy development and coordinated implementation by the consortium and the partnership to accomplish their respective and mutual key objectives.
(b) In furtherance of subsection (a), the commission may enter into one (1) or more memoranda of cooperation with the consortium and the partnership on terms deemed by the commission to be appropriate, mutually beneficial and in the best interest of the consortium and the partnership.
Acts 2003, ch. 324, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-401 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-401
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 15, eff. 8/1/2020. Acts 1974, ch. 620, §§ 9, 10; T.C.A., §§ 49-5009, 49-5010; Acts 1982, ch. 861, § 4; T.C.A., §§ 49-50-109, 49-50-110; Acts 1993, ch. 165, § 1; 2000, ch. 624, § 1.
Repealed by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 15, eff. 8/1/2020.
Acts 1974, ch. 620, §§ 9, 10; T.C.A., §§ 49-5009, 49-5010; Acts 1982, ch. 861, § 4; T.C.A., §§ 49-50-109, 49-50-110; Acts 1993, ch. 165, § 1; 2000, ch. 624, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-8-601 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 49-8-601
Nuclear indemnity agreement
Status: in_force

Subject to approval by its state university board, the University of Memphis is authorized to enter into an indemnity agreement with the United States nuclear regulatory commission, as required pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 2210 and 10 C.F.R. § 140.95 , in connection with its nuclear facility operating license. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 869, s 27, eff. 7/1/2016. Acts 1977, ch. 286, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-3261; Acts 1994, ch. 538, § 2.
Subject to approval by its state university board, the University of Memphis is authorized to enter into an indemnity agreement with the United States nuclear regulatory commission, as required pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 2210 and 10 C.F.R. § 140.95 , in connection with its nuclear facility operating license.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 869, s 27, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 1977, ch. 286, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-3261; Acts 1994, ch. 538, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1703 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1703
Board of directors
Status: in_force

(a) The commission's board of directors shall be composed of eleven (11) members, three (3) of whom shall be the state treasurer, ex officio; the commissioner of financial institutions, ex officio; and the commissioner of education, ex officio. (b) The non-ex officio members shall be appointed as follows: four (4) members shall be chosen by the speaker of the senate and four (4) members shall be chosen by the speaker of the house of representatives. In making appointments to the board, the speaker of the house of representatives and the speaker of the senate shall appoint individuals who are actively involved in financial literacy; provided, however, that one (1) such individual appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives shall be a teacher or administrator of a Tennessee public elementary school. The speaker of the house of representatives may consider for appointment the names of individuals recommended by the following boards: Tennessee Bankers Association board of directors; Tennessee Credit Union League board of directors; Tennessee Consumer Finance Association board of directors; and Tennessee Education Association board of directors. The speaker of the senate may consider for appointment the names of individuals recommended by the following boards: Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants board of directors; Tennessee Jump$tart Coalition board of directors; Tennessee Cash Advance Association board of directors; and Tennessee State Parent Teacher Association board or other governing board of a Tennessee state parent-teacher organization or association. The speaker of the house of representatives and the speaker of the senate shall strive to ensure that at least one (1) person serving on the board is sixty (60) years of age or older or is female and that at least one (1) person serving on the board is a member of a racial minority. (c) The term of office for each appointed director shall be four (4) years; provided, however, that in order to stagger such terms, two (2) of the speaker of the senate's initial appointees shall serve terms of four (4) years, two (2) of the speaker of the house of representatives' initial appointees shall serve terms of four (4) years, one (1) of the speaker of the senate's initial appointees shall serve a term of three (3) years, one (1) of the speaker of the house of representatives' initial appointees shall serve a term of three (3) years, one (1) of the speaker of the senate's initial appointees shall serve a term of two (2) years, and one (1) of the speaker of the house of representatives' initial appointees shall serve a term of two (2) years. Each director shall serve until the director's successor is appointed, and if a vacancy occurs on the board, it shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. An appointment to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of a term is for the remainder of the unexpired term. (d) Each ex officio member of the board may designate a member of the ex officio member's respective staff to attend meetings of the commission or its committees and to exercise the ex officio member's right to vote in the ex officio member's absence. (e) The state treasurer shall serve as the chair of the commission. The board shall annually elect a vice chair, a secretary and such other officers as it deems necessary from its membership to perform the business of the commission. Such officers and the ex-officio members, or the ex-officios' designees, shall comprise the executive committee. The board may also appoint advisory boards or committees to report to the executive committee as deemed necessary. (f) A majority of the members of the board serving shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of the board. Voting upon action taken by the board shall be conducted by a majority vote of the members present at the meeting of the board. The board shall meet at the call of the chair and as may be otherwise provided in any bylaws, rules or regulations promulgated by the board. Meetings of the board may be held anywhere within the state. (g) The business of the board shall be conducted at meetings of the board held in compliance with title 8, chapter 44. All records of the board shall be made available to the public in compliance with title 10, chapter 7. (h) The board is attached to the department of the treasury for all administrative purposes, including fiscal and personnel operations. Further, nothing in this part or any other law, except title 9, chapter 8, shall be construed as a waiver of the state's eleventh amendment immunity or of the state's sovereign immunity for the commission, the corporation, its directors, officers or employees. (i) The directors shall serve without compensation but shall receive reasonable reimbursement for actual and necessary travel expenses in accordance with the travel regulations promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 273,Secs.s1, s2 eff. 4/25/2013. Acts 2010, ch. 1097, § 1; 2011, ch. 212, § 3; T.C.A. § 49-7-3103 .
(a) The commission's board of directors shall be composed of eleven (11) members, three (3) of whom shall be the state treasurer, ex officio; the commissioner of financial institutions, ex officio; and the commissioner of education, ex officio.
(b) The non-ex officio members shall be appointed as follows: four (4) members shall be chosen by the speaker of the senate and four (4) members shall be chosen by the speaker of the house of representatives. In making appointments to the board, the speaker of the house of representatives and the speaker of the senate shall appoint individuals who are actively involved in financial literacy; provided, however, that one (1) such individual appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives shall be a teacher or administrator of a Tennessee public elementary school. The speaker of the house of representatives may consider for appointment the names of individuals recommended by the following boards: Tennessee Bankers Association board of directors; Tennessee Credit Union League board of directors; Tennessee Consumer Finance Association board of directors; and Tennessee Education Association board of directors. The speaker of the senate may consider for appointment the names of individuals recommended by the following boards: Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants board of directors; Tennessee Jump$tart Coalition board of directors; Tennessee Cash Advance Association board of directors; and Tennessee State Parent Teacher Association board or other governing board of a Tennessee state parent-teacher organization or association. The speaker of the house of representatives and the speaker of the senate shall strive to ensure that at least one (1) person serving on the board is sixty (60) years of age or older or is female and that at least one (1) person serving on the board is a member of a racial minority.
(c) The term of office for each appointed director shall be four (4) years; provided, however, that in order to stagger such terms, two (2) of the speaker of the senate's initial appointees shall serve terms of four (4) years, two (2) of the speaker of the house of representatives' initial appointees shall serve terms of four (4) years, one (1) of the speaker of the senate's initial appointees shall serve a term of three (3) years, one (1) of the speaker of the house of representatives' initial appointees shall serve a term of three (3) years, one (1) of the speaker of the senate's initial appointees shall serve a term of two (2) years, and one (1) of the speaker of the house of representatives' initial appointees shall serve a term of two (2) years. Each director shall serve until the director's successor is appointed, and if a vacancy occurs on the board, it shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. An appointment to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of a term is for the remainder of the unexpired term.
(d) Each ex officio member of the board may designate a member of the ex officio member's respective staff to attend meetings of the commission or its committees and to exercise the ex officio member's right to vote in the ex officio member's absence.
(e) The state treasurer shall serve as the chair of the commission. The board shall annually elect a vice chair, a secretary and such other officers as it deems necessary from its membership to perform the business of the commission. Such officers and the ex-officio members, or the ex-officios' designees, shall comprise the executive committee. The board may also appoint advisory boards or committees to report to the executive committee as deemed necessary.
(f) A majority of the members of the board serving shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of the board. Voting upon action taken by the board shall be conducted by a majority vote of the members present at the meeting of the board. The board shall meet at the call of the chair and as may be otherwise provided in any bylaws, rules or regulations promulgated by the board. Meetings of the board may be held anywhere within the state.
(g) The business of the board shall be conducted at meetings of the board held in compliance with title 8, chapter 44. All records of the board shall be made available to the public in compliance with title 10, chapter 7.
(h) The board is attached to the department of the treasury for all administrative purposes, including fiscal and personnel operations. Further, nothing in this part or any other law, except title 9, chapter 8, shall be construed as a waiver of the state's eleventh amendment immunity or of the state's sovereign immunity for the commission, the corporation, its directors, officers or employees.
(i) The directors shall serve without compensation but shall receive reasonable reimbursement for actual and necessary travel expenses in accordance with the travel regulations promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 273,Secs.s1, s2 eff. 4/25/2013.
Acts 2010, ch. 1097, § 1; 2011, ch. 212, § 3; T.C.A. § 49-7-3103 .
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-109 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-109
State and local contributions - Determination of fiscal capacity
Status: in_force

(a) The state shall provide: (1) Seventy percent (70%) of the total funding allocation that students generate pursuant to § 49-3-105(a)(1) and (a)(2) ; and (2) One hundred percent (100%) of: (A) The total funding allocation that students generate pursuant to § 49-3-105(a)(3) ; (B) The total funding allocation that students generate pursuant to § 49-3-106 ; and (C) The total funding allocated pursuant to § 49-3-107 . (b) The local share, which must be paid with local government funds, is the remaining thirty percent (30%) of the total funding allocation that students funded by a local government generate pursuant to § 49-3-105(a)(1) and (a)(2) . (c) Each county's fiscal capacity must be determined pursuant to the fiscal capacity calculation no later than May 1 immediately preceding the school year for which students generate the total funding allocation. The annual fiscal capacity calculation, including the underlying data and the determination for each county, must be reported publicly. The fiscal capacity of a county for a school year shall not be revised after its fiscal capacity has been determined for that school year. (d) A county's local contribution is calculated by multiplying the county's fiscal capacity by the local share. Each local government's local contribution must be proportional to the funding allocation that students generate in the local government's jurisdiction pursuant to § 49-3-105(a)(1) and (a)(2) . (e) The intent of the general assembly is to provide funding on a fair and equitable basis by recognizing the differences in the ability of local jurisdictions to raise local revenues. (f) If a local government fails to approve a budget that includes the local government's local contribution and maintenance of effort obligations by October 1, then the commissioner shall not distribute TISA funds to the LEA until the local government approves a budget that includes such obligations. (g) This part and § 49-3-314(c) establish the minimum education funding that a local government must contribute. This part does not prohibit or limit a local government from contributing more than the local contribution required in subsection (b). Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
(a) The state shall provide: (1) Seventy percent (70%) of the total funding allocation that students generate pursuant to § 49-3-105(a)(1) and (a)(2) ; and (2) One hundred percent (100%) of: (A) The total funding allocation that students generate pursuant to § 49-3-105(a)(3) ; (B) The total funding allocation that students generate pursuant to § 49-3-106 ; and (C) The total funding allocated pursuant to § 49-3-107 .
(1) Seventy percent (70%) of the total funding allocation that students generate pursuant to § 49-3-105(a)(1) and (a)(2) ; and
(2) One hundred percent (100%) of: (A) The total funding allocation that students generate pursuant to § 49-3-105(a)(3) ; (B) The total funding allocation that students generate pursuant to § 49-3-106 ; and (C) The total funding allocated pursuant to § 49-3-107 .
(A) The total funding allocation that students generate pursuant to § 49-3-105(a)(3) ;
(B) The total funding allocation that students generate pursuant to § 49-3-106 ; and
(C) The total funding allocated pursuant to § 49-3-107 .
(b) The local share, which must be paid with local government funds, is the remaining thirty percent (30%) of the total funding allocation that students funded by a local government generate pursuant to § 49-3-105(a)(1) and (a)(2) .
(c) Each county's fiscal capacity must be determined pursuant to the fiscal capacity calculation no later than May 1 immediately preceding the school year for which students generate the total funding allocation. The annual fiscal capacity calculation, including the underlying data and the determination for each county, must be reported publicly. The fiscal capacity of a county for a school year shall not be revised after its fiscal capacity has been determined for that school year.
(d) A county's local contribution is calculated by multiplying the county's fiscal capacity by the local share. Each local government's local contribution must be proportional to the funding allocation that students generate in the local government's jurisdiction pursuant to § 49-3-105(a)(1) and (a)(2) .
(e) The intent of the general assembly is to provide funding on a fair and equitable basis by recognizing the differences in the ability of local jurisdictions to raise local revenues.
(f) If a local government fails to approve a budget that includes the local government's local contribution and maintenance of effort obligations by October 1, then the commissioner shall not distribute TISA funds to the LEA until the local government approves a budget that includes such obligations.
(g) This part and § 49-3-314(c) establish the minimum education funding that a local government must contribute. This part does not prohibit or limit a local government from contributing more than the local contribution required in subsection (b).
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-1102 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-1102
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Care giver," "care givers," "care provider" or "care providers" means the person, persons, entity or entities directly responsible for providing for the supervision, protection and basic needs of the child; (2) "Child care" means the provision of supervision, protection and, at a minimum, the basic needs of a child or children for three (3) or more hours a day, but less than twenty-four (24) hours a day. Care for a child of twenty-four (24) hours duration is "residential child care," which is licensed by the department of children's services pursuant to title 37, chapter 5, part 5. The department of human services licenses "child care agencies" providing child care in "child care centers," "group child care homes" or "family child care homes" as defined in § 71-3-501 ; (3) "Child care program" means any place or facility operated by any person or entity that provides child care for children in a before or after school based program operated by a local board of education pursuant to § 49-2-203(b)(11) , a public school administered early childhood education program, a church affiliated program operated pursuant to § 49-50-801 , or a federally funded early childhood education program such as a Title I program, a school-administered head start or an even start program, state-approved Montessori school programs and a program operated by a private school as defined by § 49-6-3001(c)(3)(A)(iii) ; (4) "Child or children" means a person or persons under eighteen (18) years of age; (5) "Commissioner" means the chief administrative officer in charge of the department of education; and (6) "Department" means the department of education. Acts 2000, ch. 981, § 42; 2002, ch. 766, § 2.
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Care giver," "care givers," "care provider" or "care providers" means the person, persons, entity or entities directly responsible for providing for the supervision, protection and basic needs of the child;
(2) "Child care" means the provision of supervision, protection and, at a minimum, the basic needs of a child or children for three (3) or more hours a day, but less than twenty-four (24) hours a day. Care for a child of twenty-four (24) hours duration is "residential child care," which is licensed by the department of children's services pursuant to title 37, chapter 5, part 5. The department of human services licenses "child care agencies" providing child care in "child care centers," "group child care homes" or "family child care homes" as defined in § 71-3-501 ;
(3) "Child care program" means any place or facility operated by any person or entity that provides child care for children in a before or after school based program operated by a local board of education pursuant to § 49-2-203(b)(11) , a public school administered early childhood education program, a church affiliated program operated pursuant to § 49-50-801 , or a federally funded early childhood education program such as a Title I program, a school-administered head start or an even start program, state-approved Montessori school programs and a program operated by a private school as defined by § 49-6-3001(c)(3)(A)(iii) ;
(4) "Child or children" means a person or persons under eighteen (18) years of age;
(5) "Commissioner" means the chief administrative officer in charge of the department of education; and
(6) "Department" means the department of education.
Acts 2000, ch. 981, § 42; 2002, ch. 766, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-11-805 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 49-11-805
Vocational technical school
Status: in_force

(a) As a part of the statewide comprehensive rehabilitation and training center, there is authorized a vocational technical school operated by the division of vocational education under the general direction of the administrator of the center. (b) Funding for the training shall also be provided by appropriations to the division of vocational technical education. Acts 1973, ch. 290, § 5; T.C.A., § 49-2833.
(a) As a part of the statewide comprehensive rehabilitation and training center, there is authorized a vocational technical school operated by the division of vocational education under the general direction of the administrator of the center.
(b) Funding for the training shall also be provided by appropriations to the division of vocational technical education.
Acts 1973, ch. 290, § 5; T.C.A., § 49-2833.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-928 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-928
HOPE scholarship for dependent children and spouses of certain military veterans
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Dependent child" means a natural or adopted child of a service member whom such service member claimed as a dependent for federal income tax purposes; provided, however, that the child is under twenty-one (21) years of age; (2) "Member of the armed services" means a citizen of this state who is a member of the armed forces of the United States or a member of a reserve or Tennessee national guard unit who is called into active military service of the United States, as defined in § 58-1-102 , and is stationed outside the United States during hostilities in which military personnel are entitled to combat compensation as determined by the United States department of defense; and (3) "Serving honorably" means the character of service condition as reported on certificate of release or discharge from active duty (department of defense form 214). (b) Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, a student who is a dependent child or spouse of a member of the armed services who, while serving honorably, was killed in action, died as a direct result of injuries received from a service connected, combat-related cause, or was officially reported as being either a prisoner of war or missing in action shall be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship if the student meets the requirements of §§ 49-4-904(1)-(6) , 49-4-905(a)(2) and (a)(3) , and 49-4-907(3) and the student was a citizen of Tennessee at the time the member of the armed forces died, was imprisoned, or was reported missing in action. (c) A student claiming eligibility under this section shall present the documentation required by § 49-7-102(b)(1) . (d) (1) A student receiving a Tennessee HOPE scholarship under this section shall meet the requirements of § 49-4-911 to continue to receive the scholarship. (2) A student who qualifies for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship under this section as a spouse of a member of the armed services shall apply for a scholarship and enroll in an eligible postsecondary institution within ten (10) years of the date of death, imprisonment or report that the member of the armed services is missing in action. If the spouse remarries prior to the receipt of the scholarship, then the spouse's eligibility under this section shall terminate. (e) If a student eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship under this section attends an eligible public postsecondary institution and receives a waiver of tuition and fees under § 49-7-102 , then, notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, the scholarship may be used for the cost of room and board, which shall not exceed the maximum cost of room and board provided through the facilities of the eligible public postsecondary institution. Acts 2004, ch. 872, § 1.
(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Dependent child" means a natural or adopted child of a service member whom such service member claimed as a dependent for federal income tax purposes; provided, however, that the child is under twenty-one (21) years of age; (2) "Member of the armed services" means a citizen of this state who is a member of the armed forces of the United States or a member of a reserve or Tennessee national guard unit who is called into active military service of the United States, as defined in § 58-1-102 , and is stationed outside the United States during hostilities in which military personnel are entitled to combat compensation as determined by the United States department of defense; and (3) "Serving honorably" means the character of service condition as reported on certificate of release or discharge from active duty (department of defense form 214).
(1) "Dependent child" means a natural or adopted child of a service member whom such service member claimed as a dependent for federal income tax purposes; provided, however, that the child is under twenty-one (21) years of age;
(2) "Member of the armed services" means a citizen of this state who is a member of the armed forces of the United States or a member of a reserve or Tennessee national guard unit who is called into active military service of the United States, as defined in § 58-1-102 , and is stationed outside the United States during hostilities in which military personnel are entitled to combat compensation as determined by the United States department of defense; and
(3) "Serving honorably" means the character of service condition as reported on certificate of release or discharge from active duty (department of defense form 214).
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, a student who is a dependent child or spouse of a member of the armed services who, while serving honorably, was killed in action, died as a direct result of injuries received from a service connected, combat-related cause, or was officially reported as being either a prisoner of war or missing in action shall be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship if the student meets the requirements of §§ 49-4-904(1)-(6) , 49-4-905(a)(2) and (a)(3) , and 49-4-907(3) and the student was a citizen of Tennessee at the time the member of the armed forces died, was imprisoned, or was reported missing in action.
(c) A student claiming eligibility under this section shall present the documentation required by § 49-7-102(b)(1) .
(d) (1) A student receiving a Tennessee HOPE scholarship under this section shall meet the requirements of § 49-4-911 to continue to receive the scholarship. (2) A student who qualifies for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship under this section as a spouse of a member of the armed services shall apply for a scholarship and enroll in an eligible postsecondary institution within ten (10) years of the date of death, imprisonment or report that the member of the armed services is missing in action. If the spouse remarries prior to the receipt of the scholarship, then the spouse's eligibility under this section shall terminate.
(1) A student receiving a Tennessee HOPE scholarship under this section shall meet the requirements of § 49-4-911 to continue to receive the scholarship.
(2) A student who qualifies for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship under this section as a spouse of a member of the armed services shall apply for a scholarship and enroll in an eligible postsecondary institution within ten (10) years of the date of death, imprisonment or report that the member of the armed services is missing in action. If the spouse remarries prior to the receipt of the scholarship, then the spouse's eligibility under this section shall terminate.
(e) If a student eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship under this section attends an eligible public postsecondary institution and receives a waiver of tuition and fees under § 49-7-102 , then, notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, the scholarship may be used for the cost of room and board, which shall not exceed the maximum cost of room and board provided through the facilities of the eligible public postsecondary institution.
Acts 2004, ch. 872, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2103 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-2103
Transportation free
Status: in_force

No pupil shall be charged a fee by the county board of education or by any employee of the board for the privilege of being transported with public funds to any public school. Acts 1947, ch. 92, § 5; C. Supp. 1950, § 2495.5 (Williams, § 2495.6); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-2204.
No pupil shall be charged a fee by the county board of education or by any employee of the board for the privilege of being transported with public funds to any public school.
Acts 1947, ch. 92, § 5; C. Supp. 1950, § 2495.5 (Williams, § 2495.6); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-2204.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-601 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-601
Forfeiture upon criminal conviction
Status: in_force

Any part-time or full-time student who is convicted of any criminal offense growing out of any student riot, protest or disturbance shall forfeit any further right to any student loan or grant as provided in this chapter, or any other financial assistance supported by state funds. Should any such student so convicted be, at that time, receiving such aid, the aid shall be immediately terminated. Acts 1974, ch. 620, § 24; T.C.A., §§ 49-5024, 49-50-122.
Any part-time or full-time student who is convicted of any criminal offense growing out of any student riot, protest or disturbance shall forfeit any further right to any student loan or grant as provided in this chapter, or any other financial assistance supported by state funds. Should any such student so convicted be, at that time, receiving such aid, the aid shall be immediately terminated.
Acts 1974, ch. 620, § 24; T.C.A., §§ 49-5024, 49-50-122.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-1007 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-1007
Sharing of same president, director of schools, or officers prohibited
Status: in_force

The Tennessee School for the Blind, the Tennessee School for the Deaf, the West Tennessee School for the Deaf, and the Alvin C. York Agricultural Institute shall not share the same president, director of schools, or officers at the same time. Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 460,s 1, eff. 5/21/2019.
The Tennessee School for the Blind, the Tennessee School for the Deaf, the West Tennessee School for the Deaf, and the Alvin C. York Agricultural Institute shall not share the same president, director of schools, or officers at the same time.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 460,s 1, eff. 5/21/2019.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-212 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-212
Code of ethics - Material violation - Hearing - Vacancy
Status: in_force

(a) The commission shall establish and adopt a code of ethics that shall apply to and govern the conduct of all appointed members of the commission. (b) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of its membership, the commission may remove any appointed member of the commission for a material violation of the code of ethics. (c) A commission vote to remove one of its members shall only be taken after the accused member has been afforded a due process contested case hearing in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, and a finding has been made that the member did violate the commission's code of ethics. (d) If a member is removed in accordance with this section, the position shall be considered vacant and the vacancy shall be filled as provided by law. Acts 2003, ch. 327, § 1.
(a) The commission shall establish and adopt a code of ethics that shall apply to and govern the conduct of all appointed members of the commission.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of its membership, the commission may remove any appointed member of the commission for a material violation of the code of ethics.
(c) A commission vote to remove one of its members shall only be taken after the accused member has been afforded a due process contested case hearing in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, and a finding has been made that the member did violate the commission's code of ethics.
(d) If a member is removed in accordance with this section, the position shall be considered vacant and the vacancy shall be filled as provided by law.
Acts 2003, ch. 327, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-1505 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-1505
Collection of annual fees
Status: in_force

(a) The commission is authorized to annually collect fees from each Tennessee SARA institution based on full-time enrollment and commensurate with the costs of administering SARA. The commission may set fees by: (1) Defaulting to the fees set for the initial application, annual renewal application, or to other fees assessed by NC-SARA, or any successor organization; or (2) Promulgate rules governing the schedule of fees, including, at a minimum, fees for initial and annual renewal applications. (b) If NC-SARA reduces, waives, or terminates the assessment of fees for participating institutions, then the fees applicable to Tennessee SARA institutions are the same as the fees assessed to such institutions in the prior fiscal year, but only if the commission does not establish the fees by rule, as provided in subdivision (a)(2). If the commission has promulgated rules governing the schedule of fees, then the fees applicable to Tennessee SARA institutions are the fees established in the commission's rules. (c) The commission shall deposit all fees collected pursuant to this part in the state treasury, to be credited to a dedicated commission account for the administration of this part. (d) Beginning on July 1, 2025, a Tennessee SARA institution must pay its annual renewal fees by December 1. (e) The commission shall submit all reports generated in compliance with NC-SARA to participating Tennessee SARA institutions for informational purposes. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 879,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 868, s 15, eff. 10/1/2016. Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 444, s 1, eff. 5/18/2015.
(a) The commission is authorized to annually collect fees from each Tennessee SARA institution based on full-time enrollment and commensurate with the costs of administering SARA. The commission may set fees by: (1) Defaulting to the fees set for the initial application, annual renewal application, or to other fees assessed by NC-SARA, or any successor organization; or (2) Promulgate rules governing the schedule of fees, including, at a minimum, fees for initial and annual renewal applications.
(1) Defaulting to the fees set for the initial application, annual renewal application, or to other fees assessed by NC-SARA, or any successor organization; or
(2) Promulgate rules governing the schedule of fees, including, at a minimum, fees for initial and annual renewal applications.
(b) If NC-SARA reduces, waives, or terminates the assessment of fees for participating institutions, then the fees applicable to Tennessee SARA institutions are the same as the fees assessed to such institutions in the prior fiscal year, but only if the commission does not establish the fees by rule, as provided in subdivision (a)(2). If the commission has promulgated rules governing the schedule of fees, then the fees applicable to Tennessee SARA institutions are the fees established in the commission's rules.
(c) The commission shall deposit all fees collected pursuant to this part in the state treasury, to be credited to a dedicated commission account for the administration of this part.
(d) Beginning on July 1, 2025, a Tennessee SARA institution must pay its annual renewal fees by December 1.
(e) The commission shall submit all reports generated in compliance with NC-SARA to participating Tennessee SARA institutions for informational purposes.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 879,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 868, s 15, eff. 10/1/2016.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 444, s 1, eff. 5/18/2015.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1023 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1023
[Repealed] Reserved
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 37, eff. 4/18/2018. Acts 2007 , ch. 174, § 1.
Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 37, eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 2007 , ch. 174, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1805 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1805
Organization of religious student groups permitted - Access to school facilities - Advertisements or announcements of meetings
Status: in_force

Students may organize religious student groups, religious clubs, "see you at the pole" gatherings, or other religious gatherings before, during, and after school to the same extent that students are permitted to organize other noncurricular student activities and groups. Religious groups shall be given the same access to school facilities for assembling as is given to other noncurricular groups without discrimination based on the religious content of the students' expression. If student groups that meet for nonreligious activities are permitted to advertise or announce meetings of their groups, then the LEA may not discriminate against groups that meet for prayer or other religious speech. An LEA may disclaim school sponsorship of noncurricular groups and events in a manner that neither favors nor disfavors groups that meet to engage in expressions of faith or religious speech. Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 654, s 2, eff. 4/10/2014.
Students may organize religious student groups, religious clubs, "see you at the pole" gatherings, or other religious gatherings before, during, and after school to the same extent that students are permitted to organize other noncurricular student activities and groups. Religious groups shall be given the same access to school facilities for assembling as is given to other noncurricular groups without discrimination based on the religious content of the students' expression. If student groups that meet for nonreligious activities are permitted to advertise or announce meetings of their groups, then the LEA may not discriminate against groups that meet for prayer or other religious speech. An LEA may disclaim school sponsorship of noncurricular groups and events in a manner that neither favors nor disfavors groups that meet to engage in expressions of faith or religious speech.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 654, s 2, eff. 4/10/2014.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-312 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-312
Substitute teachers
Status: in_force

(a) A substitute teacher substituting for a regular teacher on leave authorized for a period not exceeding twenty (20) consecutive teaching days is not required to possess a teacher's license. (b) A substitute teacher who is a retired teacher is not required to continue to renew the teacher's license in order to work as a substitute teacher. The rate of compensation for a retired teacher without an active teaching license must not be less than the rate of compensation set by the LEA for a retired teacher with an active teaching license. This subsection (b) only applies to retired teachers who retired after July 1, 2011 through July 1, 2016. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 387,s 2, eff. 7/1/2017. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 387,s 1, eff. 7/1/2017. Acts 1977, ch. 289, § 9; T.C.A., § 49-611; Acts 1996, ch. 764, § 1; 2001, ch. 284, § 8.
(a) A substitute teacher substituting for a regular teacher on leave authorized for a period not exceeding twenty (20) consecutive teaching days is not required to possess a teacher's license.
(b) A substitute teacher who is a retired teacher is not required to continue to renew the teacher's license in order to work as a substitute teacher. The rate of compensation for a retired teacher without an active teaching license must not be less than the rate of compensation set by the LEA for a retired teacher with an active teaching license. This subsection (b) only applies to retired teachers who retired after July 1, 2011 through July 1, 2016.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 387,s 2, eff. 7/1/2017.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 387,s 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
Acts 1977, ch. 289, § 9; T.C.A., § 49-611; Acts 1996, ch. 764, § 1; 2001, ch. 284, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-1003 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-1003
Deposit and payment of funds
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The money arising from the sale of school bonds shall be turned over to the trustee of the county, and shall be kept separate and apart from all other funds, and shall be paid out only for the purposes and in the manner provided in this part, and the trustee shall be allowed no commission for receiving or disbursing the funds. (2) Any bond funds not put to immediate use shall be deposited at interest by the trustee until needed. The interest arising from the bond funds shall be used only towards retiring the school bond indebtedness or, upon recommendation of the county board of education and concurrence of the county legislative body, shall become a part of the proceeds of the sale of the bonds to be used for the purposes authorized by this part. (b) (1) In counties having a city or cities operating schools independent of the county, the trustee of the county shall pay over to the treasurer of the city that amount of the funds that bear the same ratio to the entire amount arising from this part as the average daily attendance of the year ending June 30 next preceding the sale of the bonds of the city or cities bears to the entire average daily attendance of the year ending June 30 next preceding the sale of the bonds of the county; provided, that the funds paid over to the city treasurer shall be kept separate from all other funds in the manner and for the purposes provided in this part for the county funds to be used. (2) The governing body of any city may, by ordinance regularly adopted, waive its right to all or a part of any funds due to it under this subsection (b) and return the funds to the trustee of the county for the purposes originally provided. (c) (1) In counties that have special school districts operating schools, the trustee of the county shall pay over to the special school district, provided the school district has a bonded treasurer, that amount of the funds that shall bear the same ratio to the entire amount arising from this part as the average daily attendance of the year ending June 30 next preceding the sale of the bonds of the respective special school district bears to the entire average daily attendance of the year ending June 30 next preceding the sale of the bonds of the county; provided, further, that the funds paid over to the special school district shall be kept separate from all other funds in the manner and for the purposes provided in this part for the county funds to be used. (2) The governing body of the special school district may, by resolution regularly adopted, waive its right to all or a part of any funds due to it under this subsection (c) and return the funds to the trustee of the county for the purposes originally provided. Acts 1911, ch. 60, §§ 6, 7; Shan., §§ 1442a10, 1442a11; Code 1932, §§ 2562; 2563; C. Supp. 1950, § 2563; Acts 1951, ch. 191, § 1; 1953, ch. 48, § 1; 1953, ch. 269, § 1 (Williams, § 2563); Acts 1955, ch. 290, § 1; 1961, ch. 269, § 1; 1973, ch. 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-710 -- 49-712.
(a) (1) The money arising from the sale of school bonds shall be turned over to the trustee of the county, and shall be kept separate and apart from all other funds, and shall be paid out only for the purposes and in the manner provided in this part, and the trustee shall be allowed no commission for receiving or disbursing the funds. (2) Any bond funds not put to immediate use shall be deposited at interest by the trustee until needed. The interest arising from the bond funds shall be used only towards retiring the school bond indebtedness or, upon recommendation of the county board of education and concurrence of the county legislative body, shall become a part of the proceeds of the sale of the bonds to be used for the purposes authorized by this part.
(1) The money arising from the sale of school bonds shall be turned over to the trustee of the county, and shall be kept separate and apart from all other funds, and shall be paid out only for the purposes and in the manner provided in this part, and the trustee shall be allowed no commission for receiving or disbursing the funds.
(2) Any bond funds not put to immediate use shall be deposited at interest by the trustee until needed. The interest arising from the bond funds shall be used only towards retiring the school bond indebtedness or, upon recommendation of the county board of education and concurrence of the county legislative body, shall become a part of the proceeds of the sale of the bonds to be used for the purposes authorized by this part.
(b) (1) In counties having a city or cities operating schools independent of the county, the trustee of the county shall pay over to the treasurer of the city that amount of the funds that bear the same ratio to the entire amount arising from this part as the average daily attendance of the year ending June 30 next preceding the sale of the bonds of the city or cities bears to the entire average daily attendance of the year ending June 30 next preceding the sale of the bonds of the county; provided, that the funds paid over to the city treasurer shall be kept separate from all other funds in the manner and for the purposes provided in this part for the county funds to be used. (2) The governing body of any city may, by ordinance regularly adopted, waive its right to all or a part of any funds due to it under this subsection (b) and return the funds to the trustee of the county for the purposes originally provided.
(1) In counties having a city or cities operating schools independent of the county, the trustee of the county shall pay over to the treasurer of the city that amount of the funds that bear the same ratio to the entire amount arising from this part as the average daily attendance of the year ending June 30 next preceding the sale of the bonds of the city or cities bears to the entire average daily attendance of the year ending June 30 next preceding the sale of the bonds of the county; provided, that the funds paid over to the city treasurer shall be kept separate from all other funds in the manner and for the purposes provided in this part for the county funds to be used.
(2) The governing body of any city may, by ordinance regularly adopted, waive its right to all or a part of any funds due to it under this subsection (b) and return the funds to the trustee of the county for the purposes originally provided.
(c) (1) In counties that have special school districts operating schools, the trustee of the county shall pay over to the special school district, provided the school district has a bonded treasurer, that amount of the funds that shall bear the same ratio to the entire amount arising from this part as the average daily attendance of the year ending June 30 next preceding the sale of the bonds of the respective special school district bears to the entire average daily attendance of the year ending June 30 next preceding the sale of the bonds of the county; provided, further, that the funds paid over to the special school district shall be kept separate from all other funds in the manner and for the purposes provided in this part for the county funds to be used. (2) The governing body of the special school district may, by resolution regularly adopted, waive its right to all or a part of any funds due to it under this subsection (c) and return the funds to the trustee of the county for the purposes originally provided.
(1) In counties that have special school districts operating schools, the trustee of the county shall pay over to the special school district, provided the school district has a bonded treasurer, that amount of the funds that shall bear the same ratio to the entire amount arising from this part as the average daily attendance of the year ending June 30 next preceding the sale of the bonds of the respective special school district bears to the entire average daily attendance of the year ending June 30 next preceding the sale of the bonds of the county; provided, further, that the funds paid over to the special school district shall be kept separate from all other funds in the manner and for the purposes provided in this part for the county funds to be used.
(2) The governing body of the special school district may, by resolution regularly adopted, waive its right to all or a part of any funds due to it under this subsection (c) and return the funds to the trustee of the county for the purposes originally provided.
Acts 1911, ch. 60, §§ 6, 7; Shan., §§ 1442a10, 1442a11; Code 1932, §§ 2562; 2563; C. Supp. 1950, § 2563; Acts 1951, ch. 191, § 1; 1953, ch. 48, § 1; 1953, ch. 269, § 1 (Williams, § 2563); Acts 1955, ch. 290, § 1; 1961, ch. 269, § 1; 1973, ch. 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-710 -- 49-712.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-132 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-132
Membership in association that regulates interscholastic athletics prohibited unless compliant with open meetings laws - Closed meetings
Status: in_force

(a) Public schools, including public charter schools, shall not use public funds to join, become members of, or maintain membership in an association that regulates interscholastic athletics unless the association's governing board voluntarily complies with the open meetings laws, compiled in title 8, chapter 44, part 1. (b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), an association that regulates interscholastic athletics may conduct a closed meeting, or close a portion of an otherwise open meeting, if confidential information protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ( 20 U.S.C. § 1232g ), § 10-7-504 , or any other relevant privacy law or privilege, must be discussed. No other business, other than the business to which the confidential information relates, shall be addressed during such a closed meeting. Acts 2018 , ch. 948, § 2.
(a) Public schools, including public charter schools, shall not use public funds to join, become members of, or maintain membership in an association that regulates interscholastic athletics unless the association's governing board voluntarily complies with the open meetings laws, compiled in title 8, chapter 44, part 1.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), an association that regulates interscholastic athletics may conduct a closed meeting, or close a portion of an otherwise open meeting, if confidential information protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ( 20 U.S.C. § 1232g ), § 10-7-504 , or any other relevant privacy law or privilege, must be discussed. No other business, other than the business to which the confidential information relates, shall be addressed during such a closed meeting.
Acts 2018 , ch. 948, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-8-1207 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 49-8-1207
Continuation of legal and contractual rights and obligations
Status: in_force

Any legal or contractual rights, duties, obligations, or evidences of debt (powers and authorities) of Shelby State Community College and the State Technical Institute of Memphis shall not be modified, altered, amended or abrogated by this part and shall become the rights, duties, or obligations of the new institution. Acts 1999, ch. 510, § 2.
Any legal or contractual rights, duties, obligations, or evidences of debt (powers and authorities) of Shelby State Community College and the State Technical Institute of Memphis shall not be modified, altered, amended or abrogated by this part and shall become the rights, duties, or obligations of the new institution.
Acts 1999, ch. 510, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-206 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-206
Investment and deposit of funds
Status: in_force

(a) The Tennessee student assistance corporation is authorized and empowered to: (1) Invest and reinvest any funds of the corporation in treasury notes, bonds or other securities of the United States, or bonds of this state; and (2) Deposit on interest any funds of the corporation in a bank or banks in this state, in which bank or banks the deposits are guaranteed by the federal deposit insurance corporation or collateralized in compliance with § 9-4-105 , applicable to deposits of public funds. (b) Any interest or other earnings received by the corporation shall be added to and shall be made a part of the funds and assets of the corporation. Acts 1974, ch. 620, § 22; T.C.A., §§ 49-5022, 49-50-120.
(a) The Tennessee student assistance corporation is authorized and empowered to: (1) Invest and reinvest any funds of the corporation in treasury notes, bonds or other securities of the United States, or bonds of this state; and (2) Deposit on interest any funds of the corporation in a bank or banks in this state, in which bank or banks the deposits are guaranteed by the federal deposit insurance corporation or collateralized in compliance with § 9-4-105 , applicable to deposits of public funds.
(1) Invest and reinvest any funds of the corporation in treasury notes, bonds or other securities of the United States, or bonds of this state; and
(2) Deposit on interest any funds of the corporation in a bank or banks in this state, in which bank or banks the deposits are guaranteed by the federal deposit insurance corporation or collateralized in compliance with § 9-4-105 , applicable to deposits of public funds.
(b) Any interest or other earnings received by the corporation shall be added to and shall be made a part of the funds and assets of the corporation.
Acts 1974, ch. 620, § 22; T.C.A., §§ 49-5022, 49-50-120.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-315 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-315
Local tax levy - Special transportation tax levy and fund
Status: in_force

(a) For each LEA there shall be levied for current operation and maintenance not more than one (1) school tax for all grades included in the LEA. Each LEA shall place in one (1) separate school fund all school revenues for current school operation purposes received from the state, county and other political subdivisions, if any. However, any county in which only one (1) pupil transportation system is operated, and that has within its borders a city or special district operating a system of public schools and which county in the current school year operates a system of public school transportation, may levy a special tax to cover that portion of the total cost of the public school transportation system that is in excess of the state funds generated for student transportation of the county. The proceeds of the special transportation tax levy shall be set up in a special account to be known as the public school pupil transportation fund and shall be disbursed on order of the county board for public school transportation services only. Any county that elects to operate a public transportation fund may elect to apportion transportation funds for public school transportation service to a city or special district operating a system of public schools within the county. This election must be approved by the county legislative body and shall remain in effect until specifically rescinded. Apportionment shall thereafter be made without further approval. All school funds for current operation and maintenance purposes collected by any county, except the funds raised by any local special student transportation tax levy as authorized in this subsection (a), shall be apportioned by the county trustee among the LEAs in the county on the basis of the WFTEADA maintained by each, during the current school year. For the purposes of making the apportionment of local school funds as set forth in this subsection (a), and in defining the WFTEADA for the current school year, the county director of schools and the county trustee shall be guided by the following procedure: (1) The county director of schools shall recertify to the county trustee at the end of the first quarter of the current fiscal year the WFTEADA during the preceding school year; (2) During each of the first and second quarters of the current school year, the county trustee shall use the WFTEADA figure for the preceding school year as recertified to the county trustee by the county director of schools in making the tentative apportionments of the school funds as provided for in this subsection (a) during the first and second quarters of the current school year; (3) Before the end of the third quarter of the current school year, the county director of schools shall certify to the county trustee the best estimate the county director of schools can make of the WFTEADA in the schools of the LEAs in the county, during the current school year; and upon this best estimate, the county trustee shall make the tentative apportionments of school funds for the third quarter of the current school year; (4) As early as possible before the close of the current school year, the county director of schools shall certify to the county trustee the correct WFTEADA for the entire current school year; and (5) Thereupon, the county trustee shall apportion the entire amount of county school funds for the current school year in keeping with this subsection (a), on the basis of the correct total WFTEADA during the current school year in the LEAs, making adjustments as may be necessary on account of the tentative apportionments made to the LEAs during the first three (3) quarters of the current school year. (b) (1) The state school funds distributed under part 1 of this chapter to a county for county schools shall be paid to the county trustee in the amounts as certified under the authority of the commissioner. (2) Such funds for an LEA other than a county LEA shall be distributed directly to the treasurer or proper fiscal agent of the LEA in the amounts as certified under the authority of the commissioner. (3) The county trustee shall be properly bonded as now provided by law; the treasurer or fiscal agent of LEAs, other than a county LEA, shall be bonded in an amount, in the manner and in the form and be conditioned as prescribed by law for county trustees. Immediately upon receipt of a properly executed bond, the office of the county clerk shall notify the commissioner. (c) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, including any requirement of this section, any interest earned on funds that have previously been apportioned to the LEAs within the county is not subject to apportionment. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 15, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 315, s 19, eff. 4/29/2013. Acts 1977, ch. 289, § 12; 1981, ch. 357, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-614; Acts 1987, ch. 21, § 1; 1992, ch. 783, § 1; 1994, ch. 899, § 1; 2001, ch. 284, § 10.
(a) For each LEA there shall be levied for current operation and maintenance not more than one (1) school tax for all grades included in the LEA. Each LEA shall place in one (1) separate school fund all school revenues for current school operation purposes received from the state, county and other political subdivisions, if any. However, any county in which only one (1) pupil transportation system is operated, and that has within its borders a city or special district operating a system of public schools and which county in the current school year operates a system of public school transportation, may levy a special tax to cover that portion of the total cost of the public school transportation system that is in excess of the state funds generated for student transportation of the county. The proceeds of the special transportation tax levy shall be set up in a special account to be known as the public school pupil transportation fund and shall be disbursed on order of the county board for public school transportation services only. Any county that elects to operate a public transportation fund may elect to apportion transportation funds for public school transportation service to a city or special district operating a system of public schools within the county. This election must be approved by the county legislative body and shall remain in effect until specifically rescinded. Apportionment shall thereafter be made without further approval. All school funds for current operation and maintenance purposes collected by any county, except the funds raised by any local special student transportation tax levy as authorized in this subsection (a), shall be apportioned by the county trustee among the LEAs in the county on the basis of the WFTEADA maintained by each, during the current school year. For the purposes of making the apportionment of local school funds as set forth in this subsection (a), and in defining the WFTEADA for the current school year, the county director of schools and the county trustee shall be guided by the following procedure: (1) The county director of schools shall recertify to the county trustee at the end of the first quarter of the current fiscal year the WFTEADA during the preceding school year; (2) During each of the first and second quarters of the current school year, the county trustee shall use the WFTEADA figure for the preceding school year as recertified to the county trustee by the county director of schools in making the tentative apportionments of the school funds as provided for in this subsection (a) during the first and second quarters of the current school year; (3) Before the end of the third quarter of the current school year, the county director of schools shall certify to the county trustee the best estimate the county director of schools can make of the WFTEADA in the schools of the LEAs in the county, during the current school year; and upon this best estimate, the county trustee shall make the tentative apportionments of school funds for the third quarter of the current school year; (4) As early as possible before the close of the current school year, the county director of schools shall certify to the county trustee the correct WFTEADA for the entire current school year; and (5) Thereupon, the county trustee shall apportion the entire amount of county school funds for the current school year in keeping with this subsection (a), on the basis of the correct total WFTEADA during the current school year in the LEAs, making adjustments as may be necessary on account of the tentative apportionments made to the LEAs during the first three (3) quarters of the current school year.
(1) The county director of schools shall recertify to the county trustee at the end of the first quarter of the current fiscal year the WFTEADA during the preceding school year;
(2) During each of the first and second quarters of the current school year, the county trustee shall use the WFTEADA figure for the preceding school year as recertified to the county trustee by the county director of schools in making the tentative apportionments of the school funds as provided for in this subsection (a) during the first and second quarters of the current school year;
(3) Before the end of the third quarter of the current school year, the county director of schools shall certify to the county trustee the best estimate the county director of schools can make of the WFTEADA in the schools of the LEAs in the county, during the current school year; and upon this best estimate, the county trustee shall make the tentative apportionments of school funds for the third quarter of the current school year;
(4) As early as possible before the close of the current school year, the county director of schools shall certify to the county trustee the correct WFTEADA for the entire current school year; and
(5) Thereupon, the county trustee shall apportion the entire amount of county school funds for the current school year in keeping with this subsection (a), on the basis of the correct total WFTEADA during the current school year in the LEAs, making adjustments as may be necessary on account of the tentative apportionments made to the LEAs during the first three (3) quarters of the current school year.
(b) (1) The state school funds distributed under part 1 of this chapter to a county for county schools shall be paid to the county trustee in the amounts as certified under the authority of the commissioner. (2) Such funds for an LEA other than a county LEA shall be distributed directly to the treasurer or proper fiscal agent of the LEA in the amounts as certified under the authority of the commissioner. (3) The county trustee shall be properly bonded as now provided by law; the treasurer or fiscal agent of LEAs, other than a county LEA, shall be bonded in an amount, in the manner and in the form and be conditioned as prescribed by law for county trustees. Immediately upon receipt of a properly executed bond, the office of the county clerk shall notify the commissioner.
(1) The state school funds distributed under part 1 of this chapter to a county for county schools shall be paid to the county trustee in the amounts as certified under the authority of the commissioner.
(2) Such funds for an LEA other than a county LEA shall be distributed directly to the treasurer or proper fiscal agent of the LEA in the amounts as certified under the authority of the commissioner.
(3) The county trustee shall be properly bonded as now provided by law; the treasurer or fiscal agent of LEAs, other than a county LEA, shall be bonded in an amount, in the manner and in the form and be conditioned as prescribed by law for county trustees. Immediately upon receipt of a properly executed bond, the office of the county clerk shall notify the commissioner.
(c) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, including any requirement of this section, any interest earned on funds that have previously been apportioned to the LEAs within the county is not subject to apportionment.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 15, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 315, s 19, eff. 4/29/2013.
Acts 1977, ch. 289, § 12; 1981, ch. 357, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-614; Acts 1987, ch. 21, § 1; 1992, ch. 783, § 1; 1994, ch. 899, § 1; 2001, ch. 284, § 10.