Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-404 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-404
Authority of trustees
Status: in_force

In addition to the powers granted by this part, consistent with the purpose of the fund, the trustees have the authority to: (1) Develop a written plan to implement this part; (2) Develop investment policies for the investment of the money in the fund; (3) Expend income from the fund in accordance with this part; (4) Establish rules, policies, or guidelines relative to the expenditure of income from the fund. The rules, policies, or guidelines may contain factors or criteria for disbursements to LEAs participating in the Tennessee investment in student achievement formula (TISA), and may include, but not be limited to, special projects or programs that would not otherwise be funded that are deemed by the trustees to improve the overall quality of the total educational program for individual or all LEAs. The rules, policies, or guidelines may contain a competitive award process developed by the trustees that will be administered and implemented by the commissioner of education; (5) Promote, advertise, and publicize the fund by developing and implementing campaigns for contributions to the trust fund and programs making the public aware of the purpose and operation of the fund. In their promotion of the fund, the trustees may develop partnerships and agreements with and among state agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and private entities; (6) Raise funds and solicit contributions to the fund on behalf of the fund; (7) Request from any branch, department, division, board, bureau, commission, or other agency of the state or any entity that receives state funds, such information as will enable the trustees to perform the duties contained in this part; (8) Contract for the provision of all or any part of the services necessary for the management, operation, promotion, advertisement, and publicizing of the fund; and (9) Enter into donor agreements with public or private individuals or entities contributing to the fund. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 29, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 379, s 7, eff. 5/10/2019. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 654, Secs.s 3, s 4, s 5, s 6, s 7 eff. 4/9/2018. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, Secs.s 34, s 35 eff. 4/17/2015. Acts 1985, ch. 351, § 4; 1988, ch. 624, § 1; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (l).
In addition to the powers granted by this part, consistent with the purpose of the fund, the trustees have the authority to:
(1) Develop a written plan to implement this part;
(2) Develop investment policies for the investment of the money in the fund;
(3) Expend income from the fund in accordance with this part;
(4) Establish rules, policies, or guidelines relative to the expenditure of income from the fund. The rules, policies, or guidelines may contain factors or criteria for disbursements to LEAs participating in the Tennessee investment in student achievement formula (TISA), and may include, but not be limited to, special projects or programs that would not otherwise be funded that are deemed by the trustees to improve the overall quality of the total educational program for individual or all LEAs. The rules, policies, or guidelines may contain a competitive award process developed by the trustees that will be administered and implemented by the commissioner of education;
(5) Promote, advertise, and publicize the fund by developing and implementing campaigns for contributions to the trust fund and programs making the public aware of the purpose and operation of the fund. In their promotion of the fund, the trustees may develop partnerships and agreements with and among state agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and private entities;
(6) Raise funds and solicit contributions to the fund on behalf of the fund;
(7) Request from any branch, department, division, board, bureau, commission, or other agency of the state or any entity that receives state funds, such information as will enable the trustees to perform the duties contained in this part;
(8) Contract for the provision of all or any part of the services necessary for the management, operation, promotion, advertisement, and publicizing of the fund; and
(9) Enter into donor agreements with public or private individuals or entities contributing to the fund.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 29, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 379, s 7, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 654, Secs.s 3, s 4, s 5, s 6, s 7 eff. 4/9/2018.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, Secs.s 34, s 35 eff. 4/17/2015.
Acts 1985, ch. 351, § 4; 1988, ch. 624, § 1; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (l).
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-5609 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-5609
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 686,s 11, eff. 3/28/2022. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248,s 49, eff. 5/2/2019. Acts 1998, ch. 921, § 1.
Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 686,s 11, eff. 3/28/2022.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248,s 49, eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 1998, ch. 921, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-1007 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-1007
Report - Publication
Status: in_force

By October 1, 2021, and each October 1 thereafter, the department shall provide a report to the education committee of the senate and the education instruction committee of the house of representatives, regarding the physical education programs and activity for each LEA. The department shall publish the report on the department's website. Upon the release of the report, the department shall encourage each school to use the results of the report and comparison to other schools in helping develop the school's overall wellness plan. In compiling the data used in the report, the department may use assessments developed by a nationally recognized nonprofit heart association. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, s 9, eff. 5/25/2021. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 76, eff. 3/29/2021. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 86, eff. 5/10/2019. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 706, s 1, eff. 4/6/2016.
By October 1, 2021, and each October 1 thereafter, the department shall provide a report to the education committee of the senate and the education instruction committee of the house of representatives, regarding the physical education programs and activity for each LEA. The department shall publish the report on the department's website. Upon the release of the report, the department shall encourage each school to use the results of the report and comparison to other schools in helping develop the school's overall wellness plan. In compiling the data used in the report, the department may use assessments developed by a nationally recognized nonprofit heart association.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, s 9, eff. 5/25/2021.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 76, eff. 3/29/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 86, eff. 5/10/2019.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 706, s 1, eff. 4/6/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2403 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-2403
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part: (1) "Community consortium" means a partnership established between an LEA and one (1) or more community partners for purposes of establishing, operating, and sustaining a community school; (2) "Community partner" means a provider of one (1) or more community services or a community organization or for-profit or nonprofit entity with a desire to improve conditions in the community; (3) "Community school" means a public and private partnership to coordinate educational, developmental, family, health, and before-school and after-school-care programs during school and nonschool hours for students, families, and local communities at a public school with the objectives of improving academic achievement, reducing absenteeism, building stronger relationships between schools, students, parents, and communities, and improving the skills, capacity, and well-being of the surrounding community residents; and (4) "Community services" include: (A) Primary medical and dental care that is available to students and community residents; (B) Mental health prevention and treatment services that are available to students and community residents; (C) Academic-enrichment activities designed to promote a student's cognitive development and provide opportunities to practice and apply academic skills; (D) Programs designed to increase school attendance, including reducing early chronic absenteeism rates; (E) Youth development programs designed to promote young people's social, emotional, physical, and moral development, including arts, sports, physical fitness, youth leadership, community service, and service-learning opportunities; (F) Early childhood education, including the voluntary pre-K, Head Start and Early Head Start programs; (G) Programs designed to: (i) Facilitate parental involvement in, and engagement with, their children's education, including parental activities that involve supporting, monitoring, and advocating for their children's education; (ii) Promote parental leadership in the life of the school; and (iii) Build parenting skills; (H) School-age child-care services, including before-school and after-school services and full-day programming that operates during school holidays, summers, vacations, and weekends; (I) Programs that provide assistance to students who have been truant, suspended, or expelled and that offer multiple pathways to high school graduation or obtainment of a high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education; (J) Youth and adult job-training services and career-counseling services; (K) Nutrition-education services; (L) Adult education, including instruction in English as a second language, adult literacy, computer literacy, financial literacy, and hard-skills training; and (M) Programs that provide remedial education and enrichment activities. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 114, s 25, eff. 7/1/2023. Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968,s 4, eff. 5/19/2014.
As used in this part:
(1) "Community consortium" means a partnership established between an LEA and one (1) or more community partners for purposes of establishing, operating, and sustaining a community school;
(2) "Community partner" means a provider of one (1) or more community services or a community organization or for-profit or nonprofit entity with a desire to improve conditions in the community;
(3) "Community school" means a public and private partnership to coordinate educational, developmental, family, health, and before-school and after-school-care programs during school and nonschool hours for students, families, and local communities at a public school with the objectives of improving academic achievement, reducing absenteeism, building stronger relationships between schools, students, parents, and communities, and improving the skills, capacity, and well-being of the surrounding community residents; and
(4) "Community services" include: (A) Primary medical and dental care that is available to students and community residents; (B) Mental health prevention and treatment services that are available to students and community residents; (C) Academic-enrichment activities designed to promote a student's cognitive development and provide opportunities to practice and apply academic skills; (D) Programs designed to increase school attendance, including reducing early chronic absenteeism rates; (E) Youth development programs designed to promote young people's social, emotional, physical, and moral development, including arts, sports, physical fitness, youth leadership, community service, and service-learning opportunities; (F) Early childhood education, including the voluntary pre-K, Head Start and Early Head Start programs; (G) Programs designed to: (i) Facilitate parental involvement in, and engagement with, their children's education, including parental activities that involve supporting, monitoring, and advocating for their children's education; (ii) Promote parental leadership in the life of the school; and (iii) Build parenting skills; (H) School-age child-care services, including before-school and after-school services and full-day programming that operates during school holidays, summers, vacations, and weekends; (I) Programs that provide assistance to students who have been truant, suspended, or expelled and that offer multiple pathways to high school graduation or obtainment of a high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education; (J) Youth and adult job-training services and career-counseling services; (K) Nutrition-education services; (L) Adult education, including instruction in English as a second language, adult literacy, computer literacy, financial literacy, and hard-skills training; and (M) Programs that provide remedial education and enrichment activities.
(A) Primary medical and dental care that is available to students and community residents;
(B) Mental health prevention and treatment services that are available to students and community residents;
(C) Academic-enrichment activities designed to promote a student's cognitive development and provide opportunities to practice and apply academic skills;
(D) Programs designed to increase school attendance, including reducing early chronic absenteeism rates;
(E) Youth development programs designed to promote young people's social, emotional, physical, and moral development, including arts, sports, physical fitness, youth leadership, community service, and service-learning opportunities;
(F) Early childhood education, including the voluntary pre-K, Head Start and Early Head Start programs;
(G) Programs designed to: (i) Facilitate parental involvement in, and engagement with, their children's education, including parental activities that involve supporting, monitoring, and advocating for their children's education; (ii) Promote parental leadership in the life of the school; and (iii) Build parenting skills;
(i) Facilitate parental involvement in, and engagement with, their children's education, including parental activities that involve supporting, monitoring, and advocating for their children's education;
(ii) Promote parental leadership in the life of the school; and
(iii) Build parenting skills;
(H) School-age child-care services, including before-school and after-school services and full-day programming that operates during school holidays, summers, vacations, and weekends;
(I) Programs that provide assistance to students who have been truant, suspended, or expelled and that offer multiple pathways to high school graduation or obtainment of a high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education;
(J) Youth and adult job-training services and career-counseling services;
(K) Nutrition-education services;
(L) Adult education, including instruction in English as a second language, adult literacy, computer literacy, financial literacy, and hard-skills training; and
(M) Programs that provide remedial education and enrichment activities.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 114, s 25, eff. 7/1/2023.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968,s 4, eff. 5/19/2014.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1007 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1007
Character education
Status: in_force

(a) The course of instruction in all public schools shall include character education to help each student develop positive values and improve student conduct as students learn to act in harmony with their positive values and learn to become good citizens in their school, community and society. Public schools are urged to include the use of nonviolence as a means of conflict resolution within character education. (b) (1) The department of education shall provide the appropriate method of instruction in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12), in conformity with the elementary school curriculum provided for in subsection (c). (2) Local boards of education may implement additional courses and materials in character education at their discretion. (c) Each LEA shall provide the character education curriculum set forth in the curriculum provided by the department or a comparable program approved by the department. (d) Human resource agencies created pursuant to title 13, chapter 26 may serve as the service delivery system for the character education program. (e) Local education agencies are authorized and encouraged to adopt as their course of instruction in character education the Congressional Medal of Honor Character Development Program. This program may be adopted for the appropriate grade levels and integrated into a number of academic subjects, including, but not limited to, government, contemporary issues, history, sociology, psychology, language arts, leadership, and mathematics. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725,s 35, eff. 4/18/2018. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 251,s 1, eff. 4/24/2015. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182,s 43, eff. 4/17/2015. Acts 1985, ch. 296, § 1; 1999, ch. 210, § 1; 1999, ch. 369, § 1; 2004, ch. 919, § 1; 2008, ch. 865, § 1; 2011, ch. 410, § 4(u).
(a) The course of instruction in all public schools shall include character education to help each student develop positive values and improve student conduct as students learn to act in harmony with their positive values and learn to become good citizens in their school, community and society. Public schools are urged to include the use of nonviolence as a means of conflict resolution within character education.
(b) (1) The department of education shall provide the appropriate method of instruction in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12), in conformity with the elementary school curriculum provided for in subsection (c). (2) Local boards of education may implement additional courses and materials in character education at their discretion.
(1) The department of education shall provide the appropriate method of instruction in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12), in conformity with the elementary school curriculum provided for in subsection (c).
(2) Local boards of education may implement additional courses and materials in character education at their discretion.
(c) Each LEA shall provide the character education curriculum set forth in the curriculum provided by the department or a comparable program approved by the department.
(d) Human resource agencies created pursuant to title 13, chapter 26 may serve as the service delivery system for the character education program.
(e) Local education agencies are authorized and encouraged to adopt as their course of instruction in character education the Congressional Medal of Honor Character Development Program. This program may be adopted for the appropriate grade levels and integrated into a number of academic subjects, including, but not limited to, government, contemporary issues, history, sociology, psychology, language arts, leadership, and mathematics.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725,s 35, eff. 4/18/2018.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 251,s 1, eff. 4/24/2015.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182,s 43, eff. 4/17/2015.
Acts 1985, ch. 296, § 1; 1999, ch. 210, § 1; 1999, ch. 369, § 1; 2004, ch. 919, § 1; 2008, ch. 865, § 1; 2011, ch. 410, § 4(u).
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2103 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2103
Authority - Procedure
Status: in_force

(a) The Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, applies to this part. The secretary of state may adopt rules under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act to implement this part. (b) A person, resident or nonresident, who does business in this state as an athlete agent, regardless of whether such person is registered pursuant to this part, shall: (1) By so doing, consent to the jurisdiction of the courts of this state; (2) Be subject to suit in this state; and (3) Be deemed to have appointed the secretary of state as such person's agent to accept service of process in any civil action related to such person doing business as an athlete agent that is commenced against such person in this state. (c) The secretary of state or the secretary's designee may: (1) Conduct public or private investigations, within or outside of this state, which the secretary deems necessary or appropriate to determine whether a person has violated, is violating, or is about to violate this part or a rule adopted under this part, or to aid in the enforcement of this part or in the adoption of rules and forms under this part; (2) Require or permit a person to testify, file a statement, or produce a record, under oath or otherwise as the secretary determines, as to all the facts and circumstances concerning a matter to be investigated or about which an action or proceeding is to be instituted; and (3) Publish a record concerning an action, proceeding, or an investigation under, or a violation of, this part or a rule adopted under this part, if the secretary determines it is necessary or appropriate in the public interest. (d) For purposes of conducting an investigation under this part, the secretary or the secretary's designee may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, seek compulsion of attendance, take evidence, require the filing of statements, and require the production of any records that the secretary considers relevant or material to the investigation. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 216,s 1, eff. 9/1/2017.
(a) The Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, applies to this part. The secretary of state may adopt rules under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act to implement this part.
(b) A person, resident or nonresident, who does business in this state as an athlete agent, regardless of whether such person is registered pursuant to this part, shall: (1) By so doing, consent to the jurisdiction of the courts of this state; (2) Be subject to suit in this state; and (3) Be deemed to have appointed the secretary of state as such person's agent to accept service of process in any civil action related to such person doing business as an athlete agent that is commenced against such person in this state.
(1) By so doing, consent to the jurisdiction of the courts of this state;
(2) Be subject to suit in this state; and
(3) Be deemed to have appointed the secretary of state as such person's agent to accept service of process in any civil action related to such person doing business as an athlete agent that is commenced against such person in this state.
(c) The secretary of state or the secretary's designee may: (1) Conduct public or private investigations, within or outside of this state, which the secretary deems necessary or appropriate to determine whether a person has violated, is violating, or is about to violate this part or a rule adopted under this part, or to aid in the enforcement of this part or in the adoption of rules and forms under this part; (2) Require or permit a person to testify, file a statement, or produce a record, under oath or otherwise as the secretary determines, as to all the facts and circumstances concerning a matter to be investigated or about which an action or proceeding is to be instituted; and (3) Publish a record concerning an action, proceeding, or an investigation under, or a violation of, this part or a rule adopted under this part, if the secretary determines it is necessary or appropriate in the public interest.
(1) Conduct public or private investigations, within or outside of this state, which the secretary deems necessary or appropriate to determine whether a person has violated, is violating, or is about to violate this part or a rule adopted under this part, or to aid in the enforcement of this part or in the adoption of rules and forms under this part;
(2) Require or permit a person to testify, file a statement, or produce a record, under oath or otherwise as the secretary determines, as to all the facts and circumstances concerning a matter to be investigated or about which an action or proceeding is to be instituted; and
(3) Publish a record concerning an action, proceeding, or an investigation under, or a violation of, this part or a rule adopted under this part, if the secretary determines it is necessary or appropriate in the public interest.
(d) For purposes of conducting an investigation under this part, the secretary or the secretary's designee may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, seek compulsion of attendance, take evidence, require the filing of statements, and require the production of any records that the secretary considers relevant or material to the investigation.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 216,s 1, eff. 9/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-353 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-353
Distribution of TISA funds
Status: in_force

(a) In order for any local public school system to receive TISA funds, the system shall meet the conditions and requirements set out in this section. In order to enforce the conditions and requirements, the commissioner may, in the commissioner's discretion, withhold a portion or all of the TISA funds that the system is otherwise eligible to receive. (b) Every local public school system shall meet the requirements of state law as to the operation of the system and of the rules, regulations, and minimum standards of the state board for the operation of schools. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 21, eff. 7/1/2023. Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 3.
(a) In order for any local public school system to receive TISA funds, the system shall meet the conditions and requirements set out in this section. In order to enforce the conditions and requirements, the commissioner may, in the commissioner's discretion, withhold a portion or all of the TISA funds that the system is otherwise eligible to receive.
(b) Every local public school system shall meet the requirements of state law as to the operation of the system and of the rules, regulations, and minimum standards of the state board for the operation of schools.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 21, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-1101 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-1101
Approval of certain child care programs by commissioner
Status: in_force

(a) The commissioner of education, acting through the commissioner's authorized agents and pursuant to regulations of the state board of education that are adopted pursuant to § 49-1-302(i) , shall be responsible for inspecting and approving those child care programs subject to the state board's jurisdiction pursuant to § 49-1-302(i) . (b) The commissioner has the authority to issue certificates of approval from the department of education for those child care programs that meet the child care standards of the board, and the commissioner shall be responsible for enforcing the board's standards for such programs. Acts 2000, ch. 981, § 41.
(a) The commissioner of education, acting through the commissioner's authorized agents and pursuant to regulations of the state board of education that are adopted pursuant to § 49-1-302(i) , shall be responsible for inspecting and approving those child care programs subject to the state board's jurisdiction pursuant to § 49-1-302(i) .
(b) The commissioner has the authority to issue certificates of approval from the department of education for those child care programs that meet the child care standards of the board, and the commissioner shall be responsible for enforcing the board's standards for such programs.
Acts 2000, ch. 981, § 41.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-1303 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 49-10-1303
Part definitions
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Behavior intervention training program" means a training program in evidence-based positive behavioral supports, evidence-based crisis intervention, and evidence-based techniques for the safe use of isolation and restraint; (2) "Chemical restraint" means a medication that is prescribed to restrict a student's freedom of movement for the control of extreme violent physical behavior. Chemical restraints are medications used in addition to, or in replacement of, a student's regular drug regimen to control extreme violent physical behavior. The medications that comprise the student's regular medical regimen, including PRN medications, are not considered chemical restraints, even if their purpose is to treat ongoing behavioral symptoms; (3) "Emergency situation" means that a student's behavior poses a threat to the physical safety of the student or others nearby; (4) "Isolation" or "seclusion": (A) Means the confinement of a student alone, with no other students, staff, or persons present, in a room with or without a door or other enclosed area or structure pursuant to § 49-10-1305(g) where the student is physically prevented from leaving because a door, object, or school personnel is blocking the student's exit; and (B) Does not include time-out, a behavior management procedure in which the opportunity for positive reinforcement is withheld, contingent upon the demonstration of undesired behavior; provided, that time-out may involve the voluntary separation of a student receiving special education services from others; (5) "Isolation room" means any space, structure, or area pursuant to § 49-10-1305(g) used to isolate a student; (6) "Mechanical restraint" means the application of a mechanical device, material or equipment attached or adjacent to the student's body, including ambulatory restraints, which the student cannot easily remove and that restrict freedom of movement or normal access to the student's body. Mechanical restraint does not include: (A) The use of restraints for medical immobilization, adaptive support, or medical protection; or (B) The use of a seat belt or other device, including, but not limited to, a belting system or harness, to secure a child with a disability during transit on a bus or vehicle operated by an LEA or a provider contracted to serve the LEA's transportation needs; (7) "Noxious substance" means the use of any defense spray or substance as defined by departmental rule; (8) "Physical holding restraint" means the use of body contact by school personnel with a student to restrict freedom of movement or normal access to the student's body, except for: (A) The holding of a student by an adult in order to calm or comfort the student in the absence of an emergency; (B) Contact necessary to physically escort a student from one area to another in the absence of an emergency; (C) Assisting a student in completing a task or response if the student does not resist or if the resistance is of minimal intensity or duration; (D) Physically redirecting a student if the student does not resist or if the resistance is of minimal intensity or duration; or (E) School personnel blocking a student's exit or elopement by physically placing themselves in front of the student; (9) "Positive behavioral supports" means a systematic approach using evidence-based practices to improve school environments, and to prevent and respond to problem behavior that: (A) Is proactive and instructional, rather than reactive and punitive; (B) Operates on the following three (3) levels: (i) Individual; (ii) Group or classroom; and (iii) The whole school; (C) Includes a system of continual data collection; (D) Utilizes data-based decision-making; (E) Applies research-validated positive behavioral interventions; and (F) Improves academic and social outcomes for all students, including those with the most complex and intensive behavioral needs; (10) "Restraint" means a chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, or physical holding restraint; and (11) "School personnel" means an individual employed on a full-time or part-time basis by a public school. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 134, Secs.s3, s4, s5, s6, s7, s8 eff. 7/1/2021. Acts 2008 , ch. 1063, § 3; 2011 , ch. 457, §§ 2, 4.
For the purposes of this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Behavior intervention training program" means a training program in evidence-based positive behavioral supports, evidence-based crisis intervention, and evidence-based techniques for the safe use of isolation and restraint;
(2) "Chemical restraint" means a medication that is prescribed to restrict a student's freedom of movement for the control of extreme violent physical behavior. Chemical restraints are medications used in addition to, or in replacement of, a student's regular drug regimen to control extreme violent physical behavior. The medications that comprise the student's regular medical regimen, including PRN medications, are not considered chemical restraints, even if their purpose is to treat ongoing behavioral symptoms;
(3) "Emergency situation" means that a student's behavior poses a threat to the physical safety of the student or others nearby;
(4) "Isolation" or "seclusion": (A) Means the confinement of a student alone, with no other students, staff, or persons present, in a room with or without a door or other enclosed area or structure pursuant to § 49-10-1305(g) where the student is physically prevented from leaving because a door, object, or school personnel is blocking the student's exit; and (B) Does not include time-out, a behavior management procedure in which the opportunity for positive reinforcement is withheld, contingent upon the demonstration of undesired behavior; provided, that time-out may involve the voluntary separation of a student receiving special education services from others;
(A) Means the confinement of a student alone, with no other students, staff, or persons present, in a room with or without a door or other enclosed area or structure pursuant to § 49-10-1305(g) where the student is physically prevented from leaving because a door, object, or school personnel is blocking the student's exit; and
(B) Does not include time-out, a behavior management procedure in which the opportunity for positive reinforcement is withheld, contingent upon the demonstration of undesired behavior; provided, that time-out may involve the voluntary separation of a student receiving special education services from others;
(5) "Isolation room" means any space, structure, or area pursuant to § 49-10-1305(g) used to isolate a student;
(6) "Mechanical restraint" means the application of a mechanical device, material or equipment attached or adjacent to the student's body, including ambulatory restraints, which the student cannot easily remove and that restrict freedom of movement or normal access to the student's body. Mechanical restraint does not include: (A) The use of restraints for medical immobilization, adaptive support, or medical protection; or (B) The use of a seat belt or other device, including, but not limited to, a belting system or harness, to secure a child with a disability during transit on a bus or vehicle operated by an LEA or a provider contracted to serve the LEA's transportation needs;
(A) The use of restraints for medical immobilization, adaptive support, or medical protection; or
(B) The use of a seat belt or other device, including, but not limited to, a belting system or harness, to secure a child with a disability during transit on a bus or vehicle operated by an LEA or a provider contracted to serve the LEA's transportation needs;
(7) "Noxious substance" means the use of any defense spray or substance as defined by departmental rule;
(8) "Physical holding restraint" means the use of body contact by school personnel with a student to restrict freedom of movement or normal access to the student's body, except for: (A) The holding of a student by an adult in order to calm or comfort the student in the absence of an emergency; (B) Contact necessary to physically escort a student from one area to another in the absence of an emergency; (C) Assisting a student in completing a task or response if the student does not resist or if the resistance is of minimal intensity or duration; (D) Physically redirecting a student if the student does not resist or if the resistance is of minimal intensity or duration; or (E) School personnel blocking a student's exit or elopement by physically placing themselves in front of the student;
(A) The holding of a student by an adult in order to calm or comfort the student in the absence of an emergency;
(B) Contact necessary to physically escort a student from one area to another in the absence of an emergency;
(C) Assisting a student in completing a task or response if the student does not resist or if the resistance is of minimal intensity or duration;
(D) Physically redirecting a student if the student does not resist or if the resistance is of minimal intensity or duration; or
(E) School personnel blocking a student's exit or elopement by physically placing themselves in front of the student;
(9) "Positive behavioral supports" means a systematic approach using evidence-based practices to improve school environments, and to prevent and respond to problem behavior that: (A) Is proactive and instructional, rather than reactive and punitive; (B) Operates on the following three (3) levels: (i) Individual; (ii) Group or classroom; and (iii) The whole school; (C) Includes a system of continual data collection; (D) Utilizes data-based decision-making; (E) Applies research-validated positive behavioral interventions; and (F) Improves academic and social outcomes for all students, including those with the most complex and intensive behavioral needs;
(A) Is proactive and instructional, rather than reactive and punitive;
(B) Operates on the following three (3) levels: (i) Individual; (ii) Group or classroom; and (iii) The whole school;
(i) Individual;
(ii) Group or classroom; and
(iii) The whole school;
(C) Includes a system of continual data collection;
(D) Utilizes data-based decision-making;
(E) Applies research-validated positive behavioral interventions; and
(F) Improves academic and social outcomes for all students, including those with the most complex and intensive behavioral needs;
(10) "Restraint" means a chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, or physical holding restraint; and
(11) "School personnel" means an individual employed on a full-time or part-time basis by a public school.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 134, Secs.s3, s4, s5, s6, s7, s8 eff. 7/1/2021.
Acts 2008 , ch. 1063, § 3; 2011 , ch. 457, §§ 2, 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-206 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 49-10-206
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 18, eff. 4/11/2019. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 767,s 10, eff. 7/1/2018. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 767,s 9, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1972, ch. 839, § 4; T.C.A., § 49-2925; Acts 1994, ch. 768, § 2.
Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 18, eff. 4/11/2019.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 767,s 10, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 767,s 9, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1972, ch. 839, § 4; T.C.A., § 49-2925; Acts 1994, ch. 768, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-701 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-701
Short title
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "High Performing School Districts Flexibility Act." Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 393, s 2, eff. 5/6/2013.
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "High Performing School Districts Flexibility Act."
Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 393, s 2, eff. 5/6/2013.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-1503 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-1503
Subpoena duces tecum service and filing
Status: in_force

(a) Except as provided in § 49-50-1508 , when a subpoena duces tecum is served upon a custodian of records of any educational institution in this state in an action or proceeding in which the educational institution is neither a party nor the place where any cause of action is alleged to have arisen, and the subpoena requires the production of all or any part of the records of the educational institution or of the educational institution's present or past student, it shall be sufficient compliance with the subpoena if the custodian or other officer of the educational institution within twenty (20) days after being served with a subpoena duces tecum, shall, either by personal delivery or certified or registered mail, file with the court clerk or the officer, body or tribunal conducting the hearing, a true and correct copy, which may be a copy reproduced on film or other reproducing material by microfilming, photographing, photostating, or other approximate process, or a facsimile, exemplification, or copy of such reproduction or copy, of all records described in the subpoena. Before complying with a subpoena for student records, the educational institution shall make a reasonable effort to notify the parent or the eligible student of the subpoena, so that the parent or eligible student may seek protective action, unless the subpoena was issued by a federal grand jury or for a law enforcement purpose and the court or other issuing agency ordered that the existence or the contents of the subpoena or the information furnished in response to the subpoena not be disclosed. (b) Any party intending to use this section shall furnish the adverse party or the adverse party's attorney a copy of the subpoena duces tecum no less than ten (10) days prior to the date set for the hearing of the matter for which the records may be subpoenaed. Acts 2002, ch. 621, § 4; 2003 , ch. 36, § 2.
(a) Except as provided in § 49-50-1508 , when a subpoena duces tecum is served upon a custodian of records of any educational institution in this state in an action or proceeding in which the educational institution is neither a party nor the place where any cause of action is alleged to have arisen, and the subpoena requires the production of all or any part of the records of the educational institution or of the educational institution's present or past student, it shall be sufficient compliance with the subpoena if the custodian or other officer of the educational institution within twenty (20) days after being served with a subpoena duces tecum, shall, either by personal delivery or certified or registered mail, file with the court clerk or the officer, body or tribunal conducting the hearing, a true and correct copy, which may be a copy reproduced on film or other reproducing material by microfilming, photographing, photostating, or other approximate process, or a facsimile, exemplification, or copy of such reproduction or copy, of all records described in the subpoena. Before complying with a subpoena for student records, the educational institution shall make a reasonable effort to notify the parent or the eligible student of the subpoena, so that the parent or eligible student may seek protective action, unless the subpoena was issued by a federal grand jury or for a law enforcement purpose and the court or other issuing agency ordered that the existence or the contents of the subpoena or the information furnished in response to the subpoena not be disclosed.
(b) Any party intending to use this section shall furnish the adverse party or the adverse party's attorney a copy of the subpoena duces tecum no less than ten (10) days prior to the date set for the hearing of the matter for which the records may be subpoenaed.
Acts 2002, ch. 621, § 4; 2003 , ch. 36, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-201 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-201
Minimum Kindergarten Program Law
Status: in_force

(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Minimum Kindergarten Program Law." (b) The minimum standards for kindergarten programs in the public school system shall be as follows: (1) The kindergarten program shall offer only the conventional five-day week and shall coincide as nearly as practical with the school term of the local school system; (2) The length of the kindergarten day shall not be less than four (4) hours; however, if one (1) individual teaches kindergarten more than one (1) session per day, the total number of students shall not exceed the number otherwise permitted by § 49-1-104 for one (1) kindergarten class; (3) Children entering kindergarten must be five (5) years of age on or before August 15 each school year; (4) Teachers of kindergarten shall hold a valid Tennessee license in accordance with the rules and regulations of the state board of education; and (5) The employment of adult aides or teacher's aides for kindergarten is within the discretion of the local board of education. (c) Each LEA operating elementary schools under the laws of this state shall establish and maintain kindergarten programs in accordance with subsection (b) and rules and regulations promulgated by the state board of education. (d) No child shall be eligible to enter first grade after July 1, 1993, without having attended an approved kindergarten program; provided, that a child meeting the requirements of the state board of education for transfer or admission, as determined by the commissioner, may be admitted by an LEA, notwithstanding any other provision or act to the contrary. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, Secs.s 51, s 52, s 53 eff. 5/2/2019. Acts 1973, ch. 193, §§ 1-3; 1974, ch. 534, § 1; 1979, ch. 244, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-2304 -- 49-2306; Acts 1984, ch. 870, § 1; 1987, ch. 308, § 30; 1992, ch. 535, §§ 28-30; 1993, ch. 202, §§ 1, 2; 2012 , ch. 991, § 1.
(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Minimum Kindergarten Program Law."
(b) The minimum standards for kindergarten programs in the public school system shall be as follows: (1) The kindergarten program shall offer only the conventional five-day week and shall coincide as nearly as practical with the school term of the local school system; (2) The length of the kindergarten day shall not be less than four (4) hours; however, if one (1) individual teaches kindergarten more than one (1) session per day, the total number of students shall not exceed the number otherwise permitted by § 49-1-104 for one (1) kindergarten class; (3) Children entering kindergarten must be five (5) years of age on or before August 15 each school year; (4) Teachers of kindergarten shall hold a valid Tennessee license in accordance with the rules and regulations of the state board of education; and (5) The employment of adult aides or teacher's aides for kindergarten is within the discretion of the local board of education.
(1) The kindergarten program shall offer only the conventional five-day week and shall coincide as nearly as practical with the school term of the local school system;
(2) The length of the kindergarten day shall not be less than four (4) hours; however, if one (1) individual teaches kindergarten more than one (1) session per day, the total number of students shall not exceed the number otherwise permitted by § 49-1-104 for one (1) kindergarten class;
(3) Children entering kindergarten must be five (5) years of age on or before August 15 each school year;
(4) Teachers of kindergarten shall hold a valid Tennessee license in accordance with the rules and regulations of the state board of education; and
(5) The employment of adult aides or teacher's aides for kindergarten is within the discretion of the local board of education.
(c) Each LEA operating elementary schools under the laws of this state shall establish and maintain kindergarten programs in accordance with subsection (b) and rules and regulations promulgated by the state board of education.
(d) No child shall be eligible to enter first grade after July 1, 1993, without having attended an approved kindergarten program; provided, that a child meeting the requirements of the state board of education for transfer or admission, as determined by the commissioner, may be admitted by an LEA, notwithstanding any other provision or act to the contrary.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, Secs.s 51, s 52, s 53 eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 1973, ch. 193, §§ 1-3; 1974, ch. 534, § 1; 1979, ch. 244, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-2304 -- 49-2306; Acts 1984, ch. 870, § 1; 1987, ch. 308, § 30; 1992, ch. 535, §§ 28-30; 1993, ch. 202, §§ 1, 2; 2012 , ch. 991, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1305 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1305
Notification of parents and legal guardians - Excusing students from family life instruction
Status: in_force

(a) Not less than thirty (30) days prior to commencing instruction of the family life curriculum, each LEA shall notify parents or legal guardians of students whom the LEA anticipates will be present for instruction in sex education that: (1) The LEA is using a family life curriculum that meets the requirements of state law; and (2) The parent or legal guardian shall have the right to examine the grade level instructional materials and confer with the student's instructor, school counselor or principal, as designated by the LEA, regarding any or all portions of family life. (b) A parent or guardian who wishes to excuse a student from any portion of family life shall submit a request, in writing, to the student's instructor, school counselor, or principal. A parent or guardian who wishes to excuse a student from all portions of family life shall submit a request in writing to the student's principal. A student who is excused from any or all portions of family life shall not be penalized for grading purposes if the student satisfactorily performs alternative health lessons. Acts 2012, ch. 973, § 2.
(a) Not less than thirty (30) days prior to commencing instruction of the family life curriculum, each LEA shall notify parents or legal guardians of students whom the LEA anticipates will be present for instruction in sex education that: (1) The LEA is using a family life curriculum that meets the requirements of state law; and (2) The parent or legal guardian shall have the right to examine the grade level instructional materials and confer with the student's instructor, school counselor or principal, as designated by the LEA, regarding any or all portions of family life.
(1) The LEA is using a family life curriculum that meets the requirements of state law; and
(2) The parent or legal guardian shall have the right to examine the grade level instructional materials and confer with the student's instructor, school counselor or principal, as designated by the LEA, regarding any or all portions of family life.
(b) A parent or guardian who wishes to excuse a student from any portion of family life shall submit a request, in writing, to the student's instructor, school counselor, or principal. A parent or guardian who wishes to excuse a student from all portions of family life shall submit a request in writing to the student's principal. A student who is excused from any or all portions of family life shall not be penalized for grading purposes if the student satisfactorily performs alternative health lessons.
Acts 2012, ch. 973, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-911 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-911
Rules of trustees - Quorum
Status: in_force

(a) The board of trustees is authorized to make rules and regulations for the government of the body, subject to the limitations of this part. (b) (1) Six (6) members of the board constitute a quorum, one (1) of whom shall be a member of the school board. (2) No official act of the board can be performed except by at least five (5) votes. Acts 1917, ch. 76, § 12; Shan., § 1469b16 (p. 6545); Shan. Supp., § 1469a16; Code 1932, § 2540; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1611.
(a) The board of trustees is authorized to make rules and regulations for the government of the body, subject to the limitations of this part.
(b) (1) Six (6) members of the board constitute a quorum, one (1) of whom shall be a member of the school board. (2) No official act of the board can be performed except by at least five (5) votes.
(1) Six (6) members of the board constitute a quorum, one (1) of whom shall be a member of the school board.
(2) No official act of the board can be performed except by at least five (5) votes.
Acts 1917, ch. 76, § 12; Shan., § 1469b16 (p. 6545); Shan. Supp., § 1469a16; Code 1932, § 2540; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1611.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-902 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-902
General assembly findings relative to student literacy - State policy
Status: in_force

(a) The general assembly finds and declares that: (1) A literate society is essential to maintaining a free society; (2) There is a need to improve literacy rates across the state; (3) In 2019, Tennessee's third grade English language arts proficiency rate was thirty-six and nine-tenths percent (36.9%); (4) In 2019, Tennessee's eighth grade English language arts proficiency rate was twenty-seven and one-tenth percent (27.1%); and (5) In 2019, Tennessee ranked thirty-first in the nation in fourth grade reading proficiency and thirtieth in eighth grade reading proficiency. (b) It is the policy of this state that LEAs and the department of education move toward the goal of every public school student being able to read at an appropriate level before being promoted beyond the third grade. Amended by 2021EX1 Tenn. Acts, ch. 3, s 2, eff. 2/3/2021. Acts 1999, ch. 130, § 1.
(a) The general assembly finds and declares that: (1) A literate society is essential to maintaining a free society; (2) There is a need to improve literacy rates across the state; (3) In 2019, Tennessee's third grade English language arts proficiency rate was thirty-six and nine-tenths percent (36.9%); (4) In 2019, Tennessee's eighth grade English language arts proficiency rate was twenty-seven and one-tenth percent (27.1%); and (5) In 2019, Tennessee ranked thirty-first in the nation in fourth grade reading proficiency and thirtieth in eighth grade reading proficiency.
(1) A literate society is essential to maintaining a free society;
(2) There is a need to improve literacy rates across the state;
(3) In 2019, Tennessee's third grade English language arts proficiency rate was thirty-six and nine-tenths percent (36.9%);
(4) In 2019, Tennessee's eighth grade English language arts proficiency rate was twenty-seven and one-tenth percent (27.1%); and
(5) In 2019, Tennessee ranked thirty-first in the nation in fourth grade reading proficiency and thirtieth in eighth grade reading proficiency.
(b) It is the policy of this state that LEAs and the department of education move toward the goal of every public school student being able to read at an appropriate level before being promoted beyond the third grade.
Amended by 2021EX1 Tenn. Acts, ch. 3, s 2, eff. 2/3/2021.
Acts 1999, ch. 130, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-205 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-205
Support and assistance for family life education
Status: in_force

(a) The department of education shall develop a program of technical support and assistance for LEAs that initiates implementation of family life education in conformity with the guidelines established by the state board of education. (b) The program of technical support and assistance shall include: (1) Suggested methods for maintaining a high level of parental and community support for family life education; (2) Workshops, seminars or other training opportunities for family life instructors; (3) Assistance in selecting family life textbooks and resource materials most suitable for the special needs of the community that the LEA serves; (4) Recommended mechanisms for effectively monitoring and evaluating implementation of family life courses; and (5) Other similar services to assist the LEA. (c) The program of technical support and assistance developed pursuant to this section shall be provided upon request of an LEA. Acts 1987, ch. 442, § 2.
(a) The department of education shall develop a program of technical support and assistance for LEAs that initiates implementation of family life education in conformity with the guidelines established by the state board of education.
(b) The program of technical support and assistance shall include: (1) Suggested methods for maintaining a high level of parental and community support for family life education; (2) Workshops, seminars or other training opportunities for family life instructors; (3) Assistance in selecting family life textbooks and resource materials most suitable for the special needs of the community that the LEA serves; (4) Recommended mechanisms for effectively monitoring and evaluating implementation of family life courses; and (5) Other similar services to assist the LEA.
(1) Suggested methods for maintaining a high level of parental and community support for family life education;
(2) Workshops, seminars or other training opportunities for family life instructors;
(3) Assistance in selecting family life textbooks and resource materials most suitable for the special needs of the community that the LEA serves;
(4) Recommended mechanisms for effectively monitoring and evaluating implementation of family life courses; and
(5) Other similar services to assist the LEA.
(c) The program of technical support and assistance developed pursuant to this section shall be provided upon request of an LEA.
Acts 1987, ch. 442, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-504 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-504
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 23, eff. 4/18/2018. Acts 1990, ch. 996, § 4; 1996, ch. 1079, § 183.
Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 23, eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 1990, ch. 996, § 4; 1996, ch. 1079, § 183.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-826 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-826
Scholarship programs
Status: in_force

(a) The state or any department, division or agency of the state may establish a scholarship program to award scholarships to students that consist of contributions and earnings accrued in a savings account created through the educational investment plan established pursuant to § 49-7-808 . Any scholarship program established under this section shall be registered with the board. (b) Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, the entity establishing and maintaining a scholarship program under this section shall not be required to select the scholarship beneficiary at the time the scholarship program is established. The entity establishing the scholarship program shall select the scholarship beneficiary and notify the board of the beneficiary by no later than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the start of the academic term in which the tuition benefits under the program are to be applied. The notification shall be in writing and shall include the name, address and social security number of the scholarship beneficiary, the amount of the redemption value of the account awarded and a statement specifying whether the scholarship beneficiary may receive a refund under this part. The entity establishing the scholarship program shall select the scholarship beneficiaries in accordance with criteria established by the entity. (c) If a scholarship beneficiary does not use tuition benefits awarded under this section within a length of time specified under the scholarship program, the entity may select and award the benefits to a new beneficiary. (d) The board may, through the promulgation of rules and regulations, authorize political subdivisions of the state and organizations that are exempt from federal income taxation under § 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and described in 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) , to establish scholarship programs pursuant to this section. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 910, s 26, eff. 5/13/2014. Acts 1999, ch. 233, §§ 40, 43.
(a) The state or any department, division or agency of the state may establish a scholarship program to award scholarships to students that consist of contributions and earnings accrued in a savings account created through the educational investment plan established pursuant to § 49-7-808 . Any scholarship program established under this section shall be registered with the board.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, the entity establishing and maintaining a scholarship program under this section shall not be required to select the scholarship beneficiary at the time the scholarship program is established. The entity establishing the scholarship program shall select the scholarship beneficiary and notify the board of the beneficiary by no later than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the start of the academic term in which the tuition benefits under the program are to be applied. The notification shall be in writing and shall include the name, address and social security number of the scholarship beneficiary, the amount of the redemption value of the account awarded and a statement specifying whether the scholarship beneficiary may receive a refund under this part. The entity establishing the scholarship program shall select the scholarship beneficiaries in accordance with criteria established by the entity.
(c) If a scholarship beneficiary does not use tuition benefits awarded under this section within a length of time specified under the scholarship program, the entity may select and award the benefits to a new beneficiary.
(d) The board may, through the promulgation of rules and regulations, authorize political subdivisions of the state and organizations that are exempt from federal income taxation under § 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and described in 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) , to establish scholarship programs pursuant to this section.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 910, s 26, eff. 5/13/2014.
Acts 1999, ch. 233, §§ 40, 43.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-4205 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-4205
Search of students
Status: in_force

(a) A student may be subject to physical search because of the results of a locker search, or because of information received from a teacher, staff member, student or other person if such action is reasonable to the principal. (b) All of the following standards of reasonableness shall be met: (1) A particular student has violated school policy; (2) The search will yield evidence of the violation of school policy or will lead to disclosure of a dangerous weapon, drug paraphernalia or drug; (3) The search is in pursuit of legitimate interests of the school in maintaining order, discipline, safety, supervision and education of students; (4) The search is not conducted for the sole purpose of discovering evidence to be used in a criminal prosecution; and (5) The search shall be reasonably related to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student, as well as the nature of the infraction alleged to have been committed. Acts 1981, ch. 368, § 2; 1983, ch. 397, § 6; T.C.A., § 49-9-406 ; Acts 1988, ch. 727, § 6; 1994, ch. 636, §§ 5, 6.
(a) A student may be subject to physical search because of the results of a locker search, or because of information received from a teacher, staff member, student or other person if such action is reasonable to the principal.
(b) All of the following standards of reasonableness shall be met: (1) A particular student has violated school policy; (2) The search will yield evidence of the violation of school policy or will lead to disclosure of a dangerous weapon, drug paraphernalia or drug; (3) The search is in pursuit of legitimate interests of the school in maintaining order, discipline, safety, supervision and education of students; (4) The search is not conducted for the sole purpose of discovering evidence to be used in a criminal prosecution; and (5) The search shall be reasonably related to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student, as well as the nature of the infraction alleged to have been committed.
(1) A particular student has violated school policy;
(2) The search will yield evidence of the violation of school policy or will lead to disclosure of a dangerous weapon, drug paraphernalia or drug;
(3) The search is in pursuit of legitimate interests of the school in maintaining order, discipline, safety, supervision and education of students;
(4) The search is not conducted for the sole purpose of discovering evidence to be used in a criminal prosecution; and
(5) The search shall be reasonably related to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student, as well as the nature of the infraction alleged to have been committed.
Acts 1981, ch. 368, § 2; 1983, ch. 397, § 6; T.C.A., § 49-9-406 ; Acts 1988, ch. 727, § 6; 1994, ch. 636, §§ 5, 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-604 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-604
Trust corporation - Board of directors
Status: in_force

(a) The trust corporation shall have a board of directors as provided in the document that creates the trust to be administered by the corporation. The board shall also serve as trustees of the trust. The board of directors and their successors shall be appointed in the manner provided in the document. (b) The trust document shall also provide for the administration and maintenance of the trust funds and the manner in which funds shall be received and invested by the board acting as trustees for the trust, as well as the manner in which donations of real property may be made to the trust. (c) Unless the trust document otherwise provides, investments of the trust funds shall be essentially the same as those authorized for the investment of trust funds in accordance with title 35, chapter 3. Acts 1987, ch. 129, § 4.
(a) The trust corporation shall have a board of directors as provided in the document that creates the trust to be administered by the corporation. The board shall also serve as trustees of the trust. The board of directors and their successors shall be appointed in the manner provided in the document.
(b) The trust document shall also provide for the administration and maintenance of the trust funds and the manner in which funds shall be received and invested by the board acting as trustees for the trust, as well as the manner in which donations of real property may be made to the trust.
(c) Unless the trust document otherwise provides, investments of the trust funds shall be essentially the same as those authorized for the investment of trust funds in accordance with title 35, chapter 3.
Acts 1987, ch. 129, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-306 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 49-10-306
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 19, eff. 4/11/2019. Acts 1972, ch. 839, § 5; T.C.A., § 49-2940.
Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 19, eff. 4/11/2019.
Acts 1972, ch. 839, § 5; T.C.A., § 49-2940.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2010 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2010
Deferment or denial of application - Revocation of Institution authorization or program registration - Conditional institutional authorization or program registration
Status: in_force

(a) (1) If the commission, upon review and consideration of an application for institutional authorization, program registration, or other application, determines that the applicant fails to meet the criteria established as provided in this part or as provided in the rules promulgated pursuant to this part, then the commission shall notify the applicant, provide, in writing, the reasons for which the applicant failed to meet the criteria, and defer or deny the application. (2) The commission may grant an applicant an extension of time, of reasonable duration, in which the applicant may eliminate the reasons for deferral contained in the statement of deferral, if the applicant has demonstrated, to the satisfaction of the commission, the applicant's desire to meet the requirements of this part or the rules promulgated pursuant to this part to the satisfaction of the commission and if, in the judgment of the commission, the applicant may reasonably meet the requirements and criteria within that time. (b) (1) Institution authorization or program registration may be revoked or made conditional as necessary to achieve compliance, or to protect the public interest, at any time after its issuance, if the commission or executive director has reasonable cause to believe that the holder of the institution authorization or program registration has violated, or is violating, this part or any rules promulgated pursuant to this part. (2) The commission may direct the institution to cease admission of additional students at the institution, or may direct other action as necessary, until, in the judgment of the commission, the institution is being maintained and operated in compliance with minimum standards. This section shall not be construed to absolve institutions of their educational and financial obligations to prospective or enrolled students. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 18, eff. 7/1/2022. Acts 1961, ch. 112, §§ 11-13; 1974, ch. 781, §§ 11-13; T.C.A., §§ 49-3911 -- 49-3913; Acts 1992, ch. 1026, § 4.
(a) (1) If the commission, upon review and consideration of an application for institutional authorization, program registration, or other application, determines that the applicant fails to meet the criteria established as provided in this part or as provided in the rules promulgated pursuant to this part, then the commission shall notify the applicant, provide, in writing, the reasons for which the applicant failed to meet the criteria, and defer or deny the application. (2) The commission may grant an applicant an extension of time, of reasonable duration, in which the applicant may eliminate the reasons for deferral contained in the statement of deferral, if the applicant has demonstrated, to the satisfaction of the commission, the applicant's desire to meet the requirements of this part or the rules promulgated pursuant to this part to the satisfaction of the commission and if, in the judgment of the commission, the applicant may reasonably meet the requirements and criteria within that time.
(1) If the commission, upon review and consideration of an application for institutional authorization, program registration, or other application, determines that the applicant fails to meet the criteria established as provided in this part or as provided in the rules promulgated pursuant to this part, then the commission shall notify the applicant, provide, in writing, the reasons for which the applicant failed to meet the criteria, and defer or deny the application.
(2) The commission may grant an applicant an extension of time, of reasonable duration, in which the applicant may eliminate the reasons for deferral contained in the statement of deferral, if the applicant has demonstrated, to the satisfaction of the commission, the applicant's desire to meet the requirements of this part or the rules promulgated pursuant to this part to the satisfaction of the commission and if, in the judgment of the commission, the applicant may reasonably meet the requirements and criteria within that time.
(b) (1) Institution authorization or program registration may be revoked or made conditional as necessary to achieve compliance, or to protect the public interest, at any time after its issuance, if the commission or executive director has reasonable cause to believe that the holder of the institution authorization or program registration has violated, or is violating, this part or any rules promulgated pursuant to this part. (2) The commission may direct the institution to cease admission of additional students at the institution, or may direct other action as necessary, until, in the judgment of the commission, the institution is being maintained and operated in compliance with minimum standards. This section shall not be construed to absolve institutions of their educational and financial obligations to prospective or enrolled students.
(1) Institution authorization or program registration may be revoked or made conditional as necessary to achieve compliance, or to protect the public interest, at any time after its issuance, if the commission or executive director has reasonable cause to believe that the holder of the institution authorization or program registration has violated, or is violating, this part or any rules promulgated pursuant to this part.
(2) The commission may direct the institution to cease admission of additional students at the institution, or may direct other action as necessary, until, in the judgment of the commission, the institution is being maintained and operated in compliance with minimum standards. This section shall not be construed to absolve institutions of their educational and financial obligations to prospective or enrolled students.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 18, eff. 7/1/2022.
Acts 1961, ch. 112, §§ 11-13; 1974, ch. 781, §§ 11-13; T.C.A., §§ 49-3911 -- 49-3913; Acts 1992, ch. 1026, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-5601 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-5601
Legislative intent relative to teacher education
Status: in_force

The general assembly recognizes the vital position occupied by institutions of higher education in the training of teachers, the improvement in the quality of the education profession, and the impact on Tennessee students. In acting to support these functions in public institutions of higher education, the general assembly must maintain a proper balance between the academic freedom of higher education and the need to respond to the public's expectations of quality in the state's teacher training programs. Therefore, the general assembly does not seek to impose restrictions on the philosophy or course selection of teacher training programs. The general assembly does, however, reserve the authority to require of each teacher training institution reasonable admission standards, graduation standards, and outcomes for prospective teachers to ensure that teachers are effectively prepared to positively affect student achievement in accordance with this part. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 402,s 1, eff. 5/18/2017. Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 7, § 65.
The general assembly recognizes the vital position occupied by institutions of higher education in the training of teachers, the improvement in the quality of the education profession, and the impact on Tennessee students. In acting to support these functions in public institutions of higher education, the general assembly must maintain a proper balance between the academic freedom of higher education and the need to respond to the public's expectations of quality in the state's teacher training programs. Therefore, the general assembly does not seek to impose restrictions on the philosophy or course selection of teacher training programs. The general assembly does, however, reserve the authority to require of each teacher training institution reasonable admission standards, graduation standards, and outcomes for prospective teachers to ensure that teachers are effectively prepared to positively affect student achievement in accordance with this part.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 402,s 1, eff. 5/18/2017.
Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 7, § 65.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-122 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-122
Placement of automated external defibrillator (AED)
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section, "automated external defibrillator" or "AED" has the same meaning as defined in § 68-140-402 . (b) All public schools in this state must have at least one (1) automated external defibrillator placed within the school. AEDs, in addition to the AED required in this subsection (b) and any AEDs required pursuant to Section 4, must be placed within a school or on school grounds in accordance with the guidelines established in the cardiac emergency response plan adopted for the public school pursuant to subsection (c). (c) (1) Each local board of education and public charter school governing body shall develop and adopt a cardiac emergency response plan (CERP) that establishes the steps that should be taken in response to a sudden cardiac arrest event occurring within the school building or on school grounds. (2) Local boards of education and public charter school governing bodies shall develop CERPs in accordance with guidelines established by the American Heart Association or another nationally recognized organization focused on providing emergency cardiovascular care. (3) A CERP adopted pursuant to subdivision (c)(1) must: (A) Be implemented at each public school governed by the local board of education or public charter school governing body; (B) Identify the number of AEDs that must be placed within each school building or on school grounds that are used for academic, athletic, or other community purposes, in addition to the AED required in subsection (b) and any AEDs required pursuant to § 68-6-105; (C) Establish a cardiac emergency response team at each public school that is responsible for carrying out the CERP, including the response protocols each team is responsible for implementing and overseeing in a sudden cardiac arrest event. If the board or governing body is required to establish an athletics emergency action plan (AEAP) pursuant to § 68-6-201 , then the responsibilities and chain of command designated in the CERP for the respective cardiac emergency response team must align with those outlined in the AEAP; (D) Be disseminated to students, parents, teachers, administrators, and other school employees at least once each school year, and posted prominently in each school building and on school grounds used for academic, athletic, or other community purposes, as well as on the website for the respective LEA or public school; (E) Identify the training required for members of the cardiac emergency response team, and for any teachers, administrators, or other school employees, to assist such individuals in understanding the severity of sudden cardiac arrest events, to educate such individuals on how to respond in such circumstances, and to notify such individuals of the existence, content, and guidance available in the CERP, which must include training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and the use of an AED; and (F) Be reviewed at least annually by the local board of education or public charter school governing body, semiannually by each cardiac emergency response team, and no later than ten (10) days after a sudden cardiac arrest event occurs within a school, or on the grounds of a school, governed by the local board of education or public charter school by the cardiac emergency response team and the director of schools or the director of the public charter school, as applicable. (d) Each school that places an AED within the school or on school grounds shall comply with all provisions of title 68, chapter 140, part 4, relative to training; notification; the establishment of a written plan that complies with § 68-140-404 ; maintenance and testing of the AEDs to ensure that the devices are in optimal operating condition in compliance with § 68-140-404 ; and any other requirements. Each local board of education and public charter school governing body shall, to the greatest extent possible, ensure such requirements are incorporated into the adopted CERP. (e) When a school receives its first AED, it shall place the AED in a location that may be accessed readily from any area of the school, which may include those areas of the school that are used for physical education or activity. AEDs, in addition to the AED required in this subsection (e) and any AEDs required pursuant to § 68-6-105, must be placed in locations that are accessible in emergency situations. AEDs shall not be placed in an office that is not accessible to a person who may need to use the AED or in a location that is locked during times that students, parents, teachers, other school employees, or members of the community are present at school or school events. (f) AEDs placed in schools shall be registered with local emergency medical services providers as required by §§ 68-140-403(2) and 68-140-404(6) . (g) LEAs and schools responsible for an AED program pursuant to § 68-140-404(1) shall not be liable for any civil liability for any personal injury that results from an act or omission that does not amount to willful or wanton misconduct or gross negligence if the applicable provisions and program established under § 68-140-404 and the rules adopted by the department pursuant to § 68-140-405 have been met by the LEA and school and have been followed by the individuals using the AED. (h) A teacher, school employee or other person employed by the LEA responsible for an AED program pursuant to § 68-140-404(1) shall not be liable for any civil liability for any personal injury that results from an act or omission that does not amount to willful or wanton misconduct or gross negligence if the applicable provisions and program established under § 68-140-404 and the rules adopted by the department pursuant to § 68-140-405 have been met by the LEA and school and have been followed by the individuals using the AED. (i) Misuse or abuse of any AED device on school property by a student is disorderly conduct and the student shall be subject to disciplinary action. (j) Schools are encouraged to offer training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), as defined in § 68-140-402 , to school bus drivers. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 625,s 7, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 625,s 6, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 948, s 2, eff. 4/29/2022. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 391, s 2, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 391, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1028, s 2, eff. 7/1/2018. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1028, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 677, s 1, eff. 7/1/2016. Acts 2008 , ch. 795, §§ 2, 4; 2010 , ch. 819, § 2; 2011 , ch. 179, § 1.
(a) As used in this section, "automated external defibrillator" or "AED" has the same meaning as defined in § 68-140-402 .
(b) All public schools in this state must have at least one (1) automated external defibrillator placed within the school. AEDs, in addition to the AED required in this subsection (b) and any AEDs required pursuant to Section 4, must be placed within a school or on school grounds in accordance with the guidelines established in the cardiac emergency response plan adopted for the public school pursuant to subsection (c).
(c) (1) Each local board of education and public charter school governing body shall develop and adopt a cardiac emergency response plan (CERP) that establishes the steps that should be taken in response to a sudden cardiac arrest event occurring within the school building or on school grounds. (2) Local boards of education and public charter school governing bodies shall develop CERPs in accordance with guidelines established by the American Heart Association or another nationally recognized organization focused on providing emergency cardiovascular care. (3) A CERP adopted pursuant to subdivision (c)(1) must: (A) Be implemented at each public school governed by the local board of education or public charter school governing body; (B) Identify the number of AEDs that must be placed within each school building or on school grounds that are used for academic, athletic, or other community purposes, in addition to the AED required in subsection (b) and any AEDs required pursuant to § 68-6-105; (C) Establish a cardiac emergency response team at each public school that is responsible for carrying out the CERP, including the response protocols each team is responsible for implementing and overseeing in a sudden cardiac arrest event. If the board or governing body is required to establish an athletics emergency action plan (AEAP) pursuant to § 68-6-201 , then the responsibilities and chain of command designated in the CERP for the respective cardiac emergency response team must align with those outlined in the AEAP; (D) Be disseminated to students, parents, teachers, administrators, and other school employees at least once each school year, and posted prominently in each school building and on school grounds used for academic, athletic, or other community purposes, as well as on the website for the respective LEA or public school; (E) Identify the training required for members of the cardiac emergency response team, and for any teachers, administrators, or other school employees, to assist such individuals in understanding the severity of sudden cardiac arrest events, to educate such individuals on how to respond in such circumstances, and to notify such individuals of the existence, content, and guidance available in the CERP, which must include training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and the use of an AED; and (F) Be reviewed at least annually by the local board of education or public charter school governing body, semiannually by each cardiac emergency response team, and no later than ten (10) days after a sudden cardiac arrest event occurs within a school, or on the grounds of a school, governed by the local board of education or public charter school by the cardiac emergency response team and the director of schools or the director of the public charter school, as applicable.
(1) Each local board of education and public charter school governing body shall develop and adopt a cardiac emergency response plan (CERP) that establishes the steps that should be taken in response to a sudden cardiac arrest event occurring within the school building or on school grounds.
(2) Local boards of education and public charter school governing bodies shall develop CERPs in accordance with guidelines established by the American Heart Association or another nationally recognized organization focused on providing emergency cardiovascular care.
(3) A CERP adopted pursuant to subdivision (c)(1) must: (A) Be implemented at each public school governed by the local board of education or public charter school governing body; (B) Identify the number of AEDs that must be placed within each school building or on school grounds that are used for academic, athletic, or other community purposes, in addition to the AED required in subsection (b) and any AEDs required pursuant to § 68-6-105; (C) Establish a cardiac emergency response team at each public school that is responsible for carrying out the CERP, including the response protocols each team is responsible for implementing and overseeing in a sudden cardiac arrest event. If the board or governing body is required to establish an athletics emergency action plan (AEAP) pursuant to § 68-6-201 , then the responsibilities and chain of command designated in the CERP for the respective cardiac emergency response team must align with those outlined in the AEAP; (D) Be disseminated to students, parents, teachers, administrators, and other school employees at least once each school year, and posted prominently in each school building and on school grounds used for academic, athletic, or other community purposes, as well as on the website for the respective LEA or public school; (E) Identify the training required for members of the cardiac emergency response team, and for any teachers, administrators, or other school employees, to assist such individuals in understanding the severity of sudden cardiac arrest events, to educate such individuals on how to respond in such circumstances, and to notify such individuals of the existence, content, and guidance available in the CERP, which must include training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and the use of an AED; and (F) Be reviewed at least annually by the local board of education or public charter school governing body, semiannually by each cardiac emergency response team, and no later than ten (10) days after a sudden cardiac arrest event occurs within a school, or on the grounds of a school, governed by the local board of education or public charter school by the cardiac emergency response team and the director of schools or the director of the public charter school, as applicable.
(A) Be implemented at each public school governed by the local board of education or public charter school governing body;
(B) Identify the number of AEDs that must be placed within each school building or on school grounds that are used for academic, athletic, or other community purposes, in addition to the AED required in subsection (b) and any AEDs required pursuant to § 68-6-105;
(C) Establish a cardiac emergency response team at each public school that is responsible for carrying out the CERP, including the response protocols each team is responsible for implementing and overseeing in a sudden cardiac arrest event. If the board or governing body is required to establish an athletics emergency action plan (AEAP) pursuant to § 68-6-201 , then the responsibilities and chain of command designated in the CERP for the respective cardiac emergency response team must align with those outlined in the AEAP;
(D) Be disseminated to students, parents, teachers, administrators, and other school employees at least once each school year, and posted prominently in each school building and on school grounds used for academic, athletic, or other community purposes, as well as on the website for the respective LEA or public school;
(E) Identify the training required for members of the cardiac emergency response team, and for any teachers, administrators, or other school employees, to assist such individuals in understanding the severity of sudden cardiac arrest events, to educate such individuals on how to respond in such circumstances, and to notify such individuals of the existence, content, and guidance available in the CERP, which must include training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and the use of an AED; and
(F) Be reviewed at least annually by the local board of education or public charter school governing body, semiannually by each cardiac emergency response team, and no later than ten (10) days after a sudden cardiac arrest event occurs within a school, or on the grounds of a school, governed by the local board of education or public charter school by the cardiac emergency response team and the director of schools or the director of the public charter school, as applicable.
(d) Each school that places an AED within the school or on school grounds shall comply with all provisions of title 68, chapter 140, part 4, relative to training; notification; the establishment of a written plan that complies with § 68-140-404 ; maintenance and testing of the AEDs to ensure that the devices are in optimal operating condition in compliance with § 68-140-404 ; and any other requirements. Each local board of education and public charter school governing body shall, to the greatest extent possible, ensure such requirements are incorporated into the adopted CERP.
(e) When a school receives its first AED, it shall place the AED in a location that may be accessed readily from any area of the school, which may include those areas of the school that are used for physical education or activity. AEDs, in addition to the AED required in this subsection (e) and any AEDs required pursuant to § 68-6-105, must be placed in locations that are accessible in emergency situations. AEDs shall not be placed in an office that is not accessible to a person who may need to use the AED or in a location that is locked during times that students, parents, teachers, other school employees, or members of the community are present at school or school events.
(f) AEDs placed in schools shall be registered with local emergency medical services providers as required by §§ 68-140-403(2) and 68-140-404(6) .
(g) LEAs and schools responsible for an AED program pursuant to § 68-140-404(1) shall not be liable for any civil liability for any personal injury that results from an act or omission that does not amount to willful or wanton misconduct or gross negligence if the applicable provisions and program established under § 68-140-404 and the rules adopted by the department pursuant to § 68-140-405 have been met by the LEA and school and have been followed by the individuals using the AED.
(h) A teacher, school employee or other person employed by the LEA responsible for an AED program pursuant to § 68-140-404(1) shall not be liable for any civil liability for any personal injury that results from an act or omission that does not amount to willful or wanton misconduct or gross negligence if the applicable provisions and program established under § 68-140-404 and the rules adopted by the department pursuant to § 68-140-405 have been met by the LEA and school and have been followed by the individuals using the AED.
(i) Misuse or abuse of any AED device on school property by a student is disorderly conduct and the student shall be subject to disciplinary action.
(j) Schools are encouraged to offer training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), as defined in § 68-140-402 , to school bus drivers.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 625,s 7, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 625,s 6, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 948, s 2, eff. 4/29/2022.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 391, s 2, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 391, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1028, s 2, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1028, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 677, s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 2008 , ch. 795, §§ 2, 4; 2010 , ch. 819, § 2; 2011 , ch. 179, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-207 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-207
Policy pamphlets
Status: in_force

(a) The local board of education shall compile and publish an official operating policy pamphlet, which shall contain, but not be limited to, such procedures as have been established by letter, directive, written or verbal memorandum, custom or tradition, and by which schools are managed, operated or controlled. Such policy pamphlet shall be updated every two (2) years. (b) "Pamphlet" may mean a loose-leaf binder. (c) A copy of the updated board of education operating policy pamphlet shall be distributed to each principal of each local school system to be kept on file and available in each school library during and immediately after normal school hours. Board of education operating policies kept in electronic format and available in each school library shall satisfy the requirements of this subsection (c). (d) An LEA shall maintain on file: (1) Added or amended policies and make the policies available in each school library operated by the LEA; and (2) Notice of deleted policies and make such notice available in each school library operated by the LEA or at the LEA's central office. (e) If a local board's operating policies are kept in electronic format, and if the board also maintains an internet website, then the board shall make its operating policies available and accessible on that website. (f) The commissioner shall be authorized and directed to take appropriate action to enforce this section. (g) This section does not apply to an innovative school district as defined in § 49-8-1502 . Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1053,s 9, eff. 5/28/2024, app. to the 2024-2025 school year and each school year thereafter. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 344, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, Secs.s 28, s 29 eff. 5/2/2019. Acts 1970, ch. 522, § 1; 1974, ch. 654, § 37; 1979, ch. 112, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-250; Acts 2001, ch. 181, § 1; 2002, ch. 537, § 1; 2010 , ch. 883, § 1.
(a) The local board of education shall compile and publish an official operating policy pamphlet, which shall contain, but not be limited to, such procedures as have been established by letter, directive, written or verbal memorandum, custom or tradition, and by which schools are managed, operated or controlled. Such policy pamphlet shall be updated every two (2) years.
(b) "Pamphlet" may mean a loose-leaf binder.
(c) A copy of the updated board of education operating policy pamphlet shall be distributed to each principal of each local school system to be kept on file and available in each school library during and immediately after normal school hours. Board of education operating policies kept in electronic format and available in each school library shall satisfy the requirements of this subsection (c).
(d) An LEA shall maintain on file: (1) Added or amended policies and make the policies available in each school library operated by the LEA; and (2) Notice of deleted policies and make such notice available in each school library operated by the LEA or at the LEA's central office.
(1) Added or amended policies and make the policies available in each school library operated by the LEA; and
(2) Notice of deleted policies and make such notice available in each school library operated by the LEA or at the LEA's central office.
(e) If a local board's operating policies are kept in electronic format, and if the board also maintains an internet website, then the board shall make its operating policies available and accessible on that website.
(f) The commissioner shall be authorized and directed to take appropriate action to enforce this section.
(g) This section does not apply to an innovative school district as defined in § 49-8-1502 .
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1053,s 9, eff. 5/28/2024, app. to the 2024-2025 school year and each school year thereafter.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 344, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, Secs.s 28, s 29 eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 1970, ch. 522, § 1; 1974, ch. 654, § 37; 1979, ch. 112, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-250; Acts 2001, ch. 181, § 1; 2002, ch. 537, § 1; 2010 , ch. 883, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-121 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-121
Annual source reduction, recycling and waste management plan
Status: in_force

Each institution governed by the board of regents of the state university and community college system and the University of Tennessee board of trustees shall develop an annual source reduction, recycling and waste management plan consistent with the state solid waste plan. Acts 1991, ch. 451, § 43.
Each institution governed by the board of regents of the state university and community college system and the University of Tennessee board of trustees shall develop an annual source reduction, recycling and waste management plan consistent with the state solid waste plan.
Acts 1991, ch. 451, § 43.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-13-132 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 13 / Section 49-13-132
List of student names, ages, addresses, dates of attendance and grade levels completed
Status: in_force

To effectuate § 49-13-113 , within thirty (30) days of receiving a request from an authorizer or a public charter school approved to operate one (1) or more schools within the geographic boundaries of the LEA, the LEA shall provide at no cost a list of student names, ages, addresses, electronic mail addresses, telephone listings, the most recent school attended, dates of attendance, and grade levels completed in accordance with § 10-7-504 and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ( 20 U.S.C. § 1232g ). Such information shall not be released by the receiving entity to outside parties without prior written consent from the parent or eligible student. Each recipient of such information shall adopt and implement a policy allowing parents or eligible students to decline to receive further information from the charter school. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 206, s 7, eff. 4/24/2023. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, Secs.s 88, s 89eff. 4/26/2019. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 307, s 20, eff. 7/1/2017.
To effectuate § 49-13-113 , within thirty (30) days of receiving a request from an authorizer or a public charter school approved to operate one (1) or more schools within the geographic boundaries of the LEA, the LEA shall provide at no cost a list of student names, ages, addresses, electronic mail addresses, telephone listings, the most recent school attended, dates of attendance, and grade levels completed in accordance with § 10-7-504 and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ( 20 U.S.C. § 1232g ). Such information shall not be released by the receiving entity to outside parties without prior written consent from the parent or eligible student. Each recipient of such information shall adopt and implement a policy allowing parents or eligible students to decline to receive further information from the charter school.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 206, s 7, eff. 4/24/2023.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, Secs.s 88, s 89eff. 4/26/2019.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 307, s 20, eff. 7/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2903 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-2903
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Establishment clause" means the portion of the first amendment to the United States constitution that forbids laws respecting an establishment of religion; (2) "Free exercise clause" means the portion of the first amendment to the United States constitution that forbids laws prohibiting the free exercise of religion; (3) "Free speech clause" means the portion of the first amendment to the United States constitution that forbids laws abridging the freedom of speech; (4) "Public school" means any school that: (A) Is operated by the state, a political subdivision of the state or governmental agency within the state; and (B) Receives state financial assistance; and (5) "Student" means an individual attending a public school. Acts 1997, ch. 422, § 1.
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Establishment clause" means the portion of the first amendment to the United States constitution that forbids laws respecting an establishment of religion;
(2) "Free exercise clause" means the portion of the first amendment to the United States constitution that forbids laws prohibiting the free exercise of religion;
(3) "Free speech clause" means the portion of the first amendment to the United States constitution that forbids laws abridging the freedom of speech;
(4) "Public school" means any school that: (A) Is operated by the state, a political subdivision of the state or governmental agency within the state; and (B) Receives state financial assistance; and
(A) Is operated by the state, a political subdivision of the state or governmental agency within the state; and
(B) Receives state financial assistance; and
(5) "Student" means an individual attending a public school.
Acts 1997, ch. 422, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1024 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1024
Instruction in school safety issues
Status: in_force

(a) In reviewing the lifetime wellness standards, the department of education shall consider including instruction in current and appropriate school safety issues, to include drugs, alcohol, weapons, bomb threats, emergency evacuations and violent school incidents. (b) The department is encouraged to collaborate with the University of Tennessee in developing school safety instructional materials and course objectives. (c) The department shall review the United States department of homeland security's guidelines and other topically-relevant issues for inclusion in school safety programs. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 999,s 5, eff. 4/27/2016. Acts 2007, ch. 238, § 1.
(a) In reviewing the lifetime wellness standards, the department of education shall consider including instruction in current and appropriate school safety issues, to include drugs, alcohol, weapons, bomb threats, emergency evacuations and violent school incidents.
(b) The department is encouraged to collaborate with the University of Tennessee in developing school safety instructional materials and course objectives.
(c) The department shall review the United States department of homeland security's guidelines and other topically-relevant issues for inclusion in school safety programs.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 999,s 5, eff. 4/27/2016.
Acts 2007, ch. 238, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-110 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-110
Curriculum - American history
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall be granted a baccalaureate degree of any kind from any institution of higher learning supported or maintained by the state, or from any community college supported or maintained by the state, unless the person has earned credit in American history, consisting of six (6) semester hours or nine (9) quarter hours. Persons who pursue baccalaureate degrees in those areas of study exempted either by regulation of the board of regents or by regulations or delegated authority of the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, are not required to meet the requirements of this section if they have successfully completed a course in American history in high school. (b) Any student shall have the option, at the student's request, to substitute three (3) semester or three (3) quarter hours of Tennessee history for three (3) of the semester or quarter hours in American history required by the terms of this section if offered by the institution. (c) (1) Courses in American history taught under the terms of this section shall include the contributions of all people in the history of the United States without regard to race, sex or creed. (2) Courses in Tennessee history taught under the terms of this section shall include the contributions of all people in the history of Tennessee without regard to race, sex or creed. Acts 1974, ch. 767, §§ 1, 2; 1975, ch. 170, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-3253; Acts 2009, ch. 204, § 1.
(a) No person shall be granted a baccalaureate degree of any kind from any institution of higher learning supported or maintained by the state, or from any community college supported or maintained by the state, unless the person has earned credit in American history, consisting of six (6) semester hours or nine (9) quarter hours. Persons who pursue baccalaureate degrees in those areas of study exempted either by regulation of the board of regents or by regulations or delegated authority of the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, are not required to meet the requirements of this section if they have successfully completed a course in American history in high school.
(b) Any student shall have the option, at the student's request, to substitute three (3) semester or three (3) quarter hours of Tennessee history for three (3) of the semester or quarter hours in American history required by the terms of this section if offered by the institution.
(c) (1) Courses in American history taught under the terms of this section shall include the contributions of all people in the history of the United States without regard to race, sex or creed. (2) Courses in Tennessee history taught under the terms of this section shall include the contributions of all people in the history of Tennessee without regard to race, sex or creed.
(1) Courses in American history taught under the terms of this section shall include the contributions of all people in the history of the United States without regard to race, sex or creed.
(2) Courses in Tennessee history taught under the terms of this section shall include the contributions of all people in the history of Tennessee without regard to race, sex or creed.
Acts 1974, ch. 767, §§ 1, 2; 1975, ch. 170, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-3253; Acts 2009, ch. 204, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-305 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-305
Executive director - Staff
Status: in_force

(a) The state board of education is authorized to employ an executive director and other personnel it determines are necessary to provide it with staff support. The staff shall provide the necessary services to the board for the board to perform its duties. The executive director shall be hired by the board. Other staff personnel shall be hired by the executive director with the approval of the board. The position of executive director cannot be filled by an employee or official of any other department, agency or board, but must be responsible solely to the state board. The staff will be independent of all agencies or departments of state government and shall be subject only to the state board. For administrative purposes, however, the executive director and staff shall be administratively housed in the department of education. The executive director and staff shall have no responsibility for administering policies, rules or regulations, or the education laws of the state. (b) The state board's staff is subject to personnel rules and policies that are applicable to state employees in general, including leave, compensation, classification, and travel rules and policies. The state board controls the work of the executive director and may terminate the executive director's employment. The state board and the executive director, in accordance with subsection (a), have the sole authority to appoint, terminate, and control staff employees. The board's employees do not have preferred service status. (c) The compensation of the executive director shall be fixed by the state board and the compensation shall not be less than the compensation provided for an assistant commissioner in the department of education. The compensation of other employees of the board shall be set by the executive director with the approval of the state board. (d) The executive director, or the executive director's designee, is an ex officio, nonvoting member of the Tennessee higher education commission. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 737, s 2, eff. 3/24/2022. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, s 14, eff. 5/25/2021. Acts 1984 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 6, § 5; 2012 , ch. 800, § 49.
(a) The state board of education is authorized to employ an executive director and other personnel it determines are necessary to provide it with staff support. The staff shall provide the necessary services to the board for the board to perform its duties. The executive director shall be hired by the board. Other staff personnel shall be hired by the executive director with the approval of the board. The position of executive director cannot be filled by an employee or official of any other department, agency or board, but must be responsible solely to the state board. The staff will be independent of all agencies or departments of state government and shall be subject only to the state board. For administrative purposes, however, the executive director and staff shall be administratively housed in the department of education. The executive director and staff shall have no responsibility for administering policies, rules or regulations, or the education laws of the state.
(b) The state board's staff is subject to personnel rules and policies that are applicable to state employees in general, including leave, compensation, classification, and travel rules and policies. The state board controls the work of the executive director and may terminate the executive director's employment. The state board and the executive director, in accordance with subsection (a), have the sole authority to appoint, terminate, and control staff employees. The board's employees do not have preferred service status.
(c) The compensation of the executive director shall be fixed by the state board and the compensation shall not be less than the compensation provided for an assistant commissioner in the department of education. The compensation of other employees of the board shall be set by the executive director with the approval of the state board.
(d) The executive director, or the executive director's designee, is an ex officio, nonvoting member of the Tennessee higher education commission.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 737, s 2, eff. 3/24/2022.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, s 14, eff. 5/25/2021.
Acts 1984 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 6, § 5; 2012 , ch. 800, § 49.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-8-1206 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 49-8-1206
Abolition of former institute and community college - Transfer of programs and assets
Status: in_force

The State Technical Institute at Memphis and Shelby State Community College, both established pursuant to § 49-8-101 , are abolished. Their campuses, property, programs and assets shall be transferred to the Southwest Tennessee Community College. Acts 1999, ch. 510, § 2; 2009 , ch. 352, § 6.
The State Technical Institute at Memphis and Shelby State Community College, both established pursuant to § 49-8-101 , are abolished. Their campuses, property, programs and assets shall be transferred to the Southwest Tennessee Community College.
Acts 1999, ch. 510, § 2; 2009 , ch. 352, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-7001 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-7001
General provisions
Status: in_force

(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Parent Educational Participation Act." (b) (1) It may be the duty of the board of education of each school district to develop a program for the voluntary participation of parents in the educational and teaching process at the school in which the parent has a child enrolled in school. (2) It may include, but shall not be limited to, such activities as educational assistant, library assistant, hall monitor, recreation supervisor and any other activity that enables the parent to more fully observe and understand the school, the faculty, the students and the educational and teaching activities. (3) The parent's participation shall be varied. (4) In any school having a full-time principal with no teaching duties and a school secretary, the principal may maintain records on the program at the school and submit conclusions and recommendations to the board on the effectiveness of the program as to the student and parent. (5) State employees with children enrolled in schools may, subject to department approval or the approval of the employees' immediate supervisor, take off up to one (1) day a month from work to voluntarily participate in the educational and teaching process described in this subsection (b). Upon request of a state employee, a school shall provide documentation verifying the employee's participation in the educational and teaching process. (6) Private employers, subject to the constraints and resources of their workplaces, are urged to develop programs that permit their employees with children in school to take time from work to voluntarily participate in the educational and teaching process described in this subsection (b). (c) The state board of education may establish guidelines for the development of programs by the local board of education and may assure that each school district has such a program. (d) The board of education of each school district may periodically schedule alternate meetings to the regular parent-teachers association meeting to permit working parents to attend. Acts 1973, ch. 189, §§ 1-4; 1976, ch. 453, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-4801 -- 49-4804; Acts 2006, ch. 850, § 1; 2011, ch. 241, § 1.
(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Parent Educational Participation Act."
(b) (1) It may be the duty of the board of education of each school district to develop a program for the voluntary participation of parents in the educational and teaching process at the school in which the parent has a child enrolled in school. (2) It may include, but shall not be limited to, such activities as educational assistant, library assistant, hall monitor, recreation supervisor and any other activity that enables the parent to more fully observe and understand the school, the faculty, the students and the educational and teaching activities. (3) The parent's participation shall be varied. (4) In any school having a full-time principal with no teaching duties and a school secretary, the principal may maintain records on the program at the school and submit conclusions and recommendations to the board on the effectiveness of the program as to the student and parent. (5) State employees with children enrolled in schools may, subject to department approval or the approval of the employees' immediate supervisor, take off up to one (1) day a month from work to voluntarily participate in the educational and teaching process described in this subsection (b). Upon request of a state employee, a school shall provide documentation verifying the employee's participation in the educational and teaching process. (6) Private employers, subject to the constraints and resources of their workplaces, are urged to develop programs that permit their employees with children in school to take time from work to voluntarily participate in the educational and teaching process described in this subsection (b).
(1) It may be the duty of the board of education of each school district to develop a program for the voluntary participation of parents in the educational and teaching process at the school in which the parent has a child enrolled in school.
(2) It may include, but shall not be limited to, such activities as educational assistant, library assistant, hall monitor, recreation supervisor and any other activity that enables the parent to more fully observe and understand the school, the faculty, the students and the educational and teaching activities.
(3) The parent's participation shall be varied.
(4) In any school having a full-time principal with no teaching duties and a school secretary, the principal may maintain records on the program at the school and submit conclusions and recommendations to the board on the effectiveness of the program as to the student and parent.
(5) State employees with children enrolled in schools may, subject to department approval or the approval of the employees' immediate supervisor, take off up to one (1) day a month from work to voluntarily participate in the educational and teaching process described in this subsection (b). Upon request of a state employee, a school shall provide documentation verifying the employee's participation in the educational and teaching process.
(6) Private employers, subject to the constraints and resources of their workplaces, are urged to develop programs that permit their employees with children in school to take time from work to voluntarily participate in the educational and teaching process described in this subsection (b).
(c) The state board of education may establish guidelines for the development of programs by the local board of education and may assure that each school district has such a program.
(d) The board of education of each school district may periodically schedule alternate meetings to the regular parent-teachers association meeting to permit working parents to attend.
Acts 1973, ch. 189, §§ 1-4; 1976, ch. 453, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-4801 -- 49-4804; Acts 2006, ch. 850, § 1; 2011, ch. 241, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2115 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2115
Criminal penalty
Status: in_force

An athlete agent who violates § 49-7-2114 is guilty of a Class E felony and, on conviction, is punishable by a fine of no more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) or confinement for no less than one (1) year nor more than six (6) years, or both. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 216, s 1, eff. 9/1/2017.
An athlete agent who violates § 49-7-2114 is guilty of a Class E felony and, on conviction, is punishable by a fine of no more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) or confinement for no less than one (1) year nor more than six (6) years, or both.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 216, s 1, eff. 9/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-301 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-301
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248,s 75, eff. 5/2/2019. Acts 1963, ch. 168, §§ 1, 7, 9; 1969, ch. 6, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., §§ 49-3801, 49-3807, 49-3808.
Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248,s 75, eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 1963, ch. 168, §§ 1, 7, 9; 1969, ch. 6, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., §§ 49-3801, 49-3807, 49-3808.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-1006 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-1006
[Repealed effective 6/30/2025] Qualification of nonresidents for benefits
Status: repealed

Any active member of the Tennessee national guard who is not a Tennessee resident shall qualify for the tuition assistance benefits provided by this part subject to the following conditions: (1) The member is enrolled in an educational institution within the state; (2) The tuition assistance benefits provided to the member who is an out-of-state resident shall not exceed the amount of in-state tuition assistance the member would receive if the member were a Tennessee resident; and (3) The tuition assistance benefits provided to the member who is enrolled at a private college or university shall not exceed the amount of in-state tuition assistance the member would receive if the member were enrolled at a state-supported educational institution. Acts 2004, ch. 477, § 6.
Any active member of the Tennessee national guard who is not a Tennessee resident shall qualify for the tuition assistance benefits provided by this part subject to the following conditions:
(1) The member is enrolled in an educational institution within the state;
(2) The tuition assistance benefits provided to the member who is an out-of-state resident shall not exceed the amount of in-state tuition assistance the member would receive if the member were a Tennessee resident; and
(3) The tuition assistance benefits provided to the member who is enrolled at a private college or university shall not exceed the amount of in-state tuition assistance the member would receive if the member were enrolled at a state-supported educational institution.
Acts 2004, ch. 477, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-1405 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-1405
Revolving account established for administrative costs - Administrative fees
Status: in_force

The state treasurer shall establish a revolving account, under the state treasurer's custody, to defray administrative costs of the investment pool. The state treasurer may deduct from each participant's pro rata earnings through the investment pool a reasonable charge for administering the investment pool. In the event that the state treasurer does deduct an administrative fee, it shall be deposited and expended through the revolving account. Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 324,s 1, eff. 4/28/2015.
The state treasurer shall establish a revolving account, under the state treasurer's custody, to defray administrative costs of the investment pool. The state treasurer may deduct from each participant's pro rata earnings through the investment pool a reasonable charge for administering the investment pool. In the event that the state treasurer does deduct an administrative fee, it shall be deposited and expended through the revolving account.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 324,s 1, eff. 4/28/2015.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-8-1504 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 49-8-1504
Sequential instruction - Curriculum requirements - Annual determination research, practice, and professional development goals
Status: in_force

(a) Schools in an innovative school district must provide sequential instruction to students and educate students using curricula and educational programming aligned to the state academic standards adopted by the state board of education and that generate new and innovative educational models to advance early childhood literacy and workforce-aligned education. (b) An innovative school district, in collaboration with the department of education, shall annually determine the research, practice, and professional development goals for the innovative school district, in addition to the professional development requirements for all other LEAs and as established in this title. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1053,s 1, eff. 5/28/2024, app. to the 2024-2025 school year and each school year thereafter.
(a) Schools in an innovative school district must provide sequential instruction to students and educate students using curricula and educational programming aligned to the state academic standards adopted by the state board of education and that generate new and innovative educational models to advance early childhood literacy and workforce-aligned education.
(b) An innovative school district, in collaboration with the department of education, shall annually determine the research, practice, and professional development goals for the innovative school district, in addition to the professional development requirements for all other LEAs and as established in this title.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1053,s 1, eff. 5/28/2024, app. to the 2024-2025 school year and each school year thereafter.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-808 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-808
Use of bank
Status: in_force

(a) The sick leave bank trustees shall administer the sick leave bank and approve or reject each request for additional sick leave. All actions of the trustees will require three (3) affirmative votes. (b) The form and manner of application for use of leave from the bank shall be prescribed by the trustees. (c) The trustees shall act either affirmatively or negatively on all applications within ten (10) calendar days of the application. (d) Members of the sick leave bank shall be eligible to make application to the bank for sick leave only after having been a member of the bank for thirty (30) calendar days. (e) A participant shall not receive any sick leave from the bank until after having exhausted all accumulated sick and personal leave, including all paid board extensions. (f) The trustees may establish regulations restricting the number of days that may be withdrawn from the bank by one (1) member on account of one (1) illness, particularly any known illness existing at the time the teacher elected to participate in the bank. (g) Grants of sick leave from the bank shall not be made to any member on account of any elective surgery or illness of a member of the participant's family except as provided in subsection (m), or during any period the member is receiving disability benefits from social security or the state or local teachers' retirement plan. (h) Leave grants from the bank, approved by the trustees, shall not be more than twenty (20) consecutive days for which the individual applicant would have otherwise lost pay. Applicants may submit requests for extensions of such leave grants before or after their prior grants expire. The maximum number of days any participant may receive in any fiscal year is sixty (60). The maximum number of days any participant may receive as a result of any one (1) illness, recurring diagnosed illness or accident is ninety (90). (i) In the event a member is physically or mentally unable to make a request to the sick leave bank for use of sick leave days, a family member or agent may file the request. (j) If the trustees determine it necessary, they may require a physician's certificate of condition from any member requesting additional leave. Refusal to comply will result in denial of the pending request for use of sick leave days from the bank. (k) Sick leave granted a member from the bank need not be repaid by the individual except as all members are uniformly assessed. (l) All records of the sick leave bank shall be kept in or by the office of the school system that handles regular sick leave records. The trustees shall inform this office of all applications they approve and the amount of additional leave granted the member. (m) Sick leave may be granted to a member on account of an illness of the member's minor child. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 151,s 6, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 151,s 5, eff. 7/1/2023. Acts 1981, ch. 283, §§ 6-8; T.C.A., §§ 49-56-106 -- 49-56-108; Acts 1990, ch. 713, §§ 3, 4; 1991, ch. 202, §§ 3, 4.
(a) The sick leave bank trustees shall administer the sick leave bank and approve or reject each request for additional sick leave. All actions of the trustees will require three (3) affirmative votes.
(b) The form and manner of application for use of leave from the bank shall be prescribed by the trustees.
(c) The trustees shall act either affirmatively or negatively on all applications within ten (10) calendar days of the application.
(d) Members of the sick leave bank shall be eligible to make application to the bank for sick leave only after having been a member of the bank for thirty (30) calendar days.
(e) A participant shall not receive any sick leave from the bank until after having exhausted all accumulated sick and personal leave, including all paid board extensions.
(f) The trustees may establish regulations restricting the number of days that may be withdrawn from the bank by one (1) member on account of one (1) illness, particularly any known illness existing at the time the teacher elected to participate in the bank.
(g) Grants of sick leave from the bank shall not be made to any member on account of any elective surgery or illness of a member of the participant's family except as provided in subsection (m), or during any period the member is receiving disability benefits from social security or the state or local teachers' retirement plan.
(h) Leave grants from the bank, approved by the trustees, shall not be more than twenty (20) consecutive days for which the individual applicant would have otherwise lost pay. Applicants may submit requests for extensions of such leave grants before or after their prior grants expire. The maximum number of days any participant may receive in any fiscal year is sixty (60). The maximum number of days any participant may receive as a result of any one (1) illness, recurring diagnosed illness or accident is ninety (90).
(i) In the event a member is physically or mentally unable to make a request to the sick leave bank for use of sick leave days, a family member or agent may file the request.
(j) If the trustees determine it necessary, they may require a physician's certificate of condition from any member requesting additional leave. Refusal to comply will result in denial of the pending request for use of sick leave days from the bank.
(k) Sick leave granted a member from the bank need not be repaid by the individual except as all members are uniformly assessed.
(l) All records of the sick leave bank shall be kept in or by the office of the school system that handles regular sick leave records. The trustees shall inform this office of all applications they approve and the amount of additional leave granted the member.
(m) Sick leave may be granted to a member on account of an illness of the member's minor child.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 151,s 6, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 151,s 5, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 1981, ch. 283, §§ 6-8; T.C.A., §§ 49-56-106 -- 49-56-108; Acts 1990, ch. 713, §§ 3, 4; 1991, ch. 202, §§ 3, 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2002 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2002
Legislative intent
Status: in_force

(a) (1) It is the purpose of this part to provide for the protection, education, and welfare of the citizens of this state, its postsecondary educational institutions, and its students, through regulatory oversight to ensure consumer protections are appropriately maintained, while also acknowledging the heightened standards institutions may achieve and maintain through academic accreditors. (2) The commission shall accomplish the provisions of this part by: (A) Authorizing the granting of degrees, diplomas, certificates, or other educational credentials by postsecondary educational institutions and prohibiting the granting of false or misleading educational credentials; (B) Establishing minimum standards concerning the provision of education, ethical business practices, and fiscal responsibility to protect against substandard, transient, unethical, deceptive, or fraudulent institutions and practices; (C) Providing certain rights and remedies to the consuming public and the commission necessary to effectuate the purposes of this part; (D) Prohibiting misleading literature, advertising, solicitation, or representation by educational institutions or their agents; and (E) Providing formal authorization to postsecondary educational institutions that meet minimum standards and operate lawfully in compliance with this part. (b) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.] Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, Secs.s3, s4 eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 2, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 868, s 2, eff. 10/1/2016. Acts 1961, ch. 112, § 2; 1965, ch. 350, § 2; 1967, ch. 355, § 34; 1974, ch. 781, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-3902.
(a) (1) It is the purpose of this part to provide for the protection, education, and welfare of the citizens of this state, its postsecondary educational institutions, and its students, through regulatory oversight to ensure consumer protections are appropriately maintained, while also acknowledging the heightened standards institutions may achieve and maintain through academic accreditors. (2) The commission shall accomplish the provisions of this part by: (A) Authorizing the granting of degrees, diplomas, certificates, or other educational credentials by postsecondary educational institutions and prohibiting the granting of false or misleading educational credentials; (B) Establishing minimum standards concerning the provision of education, ethical business practices, and fiscal responsibility to protect against substandard, transient, unethical, deceptive, or fraudulent institutions and practices; (C) Providing certain rights and remedies to the consuming public and the commission necessary to effectuate the purposes of this part; (D) Prohibiting misleading literature, advertising, solicitation, or representation by educational institutions or their agents; and (E) Providing formal authorization to postsecondary educational institutions that meet minimum standards and operate lawfully in compliance with this part.
(1) It is the purpose of this part to provide for the protection, education, and welfare of the citizens of this state, its postsecondary educational institutions, and its students, through regulatory oversight to ensure consumer protections are appropriately maintained, while also acknowledging the heightened standards institutions may achieve and maintain through academic accreditors.
(2) The commission shall accomplish the provisions of this part by: (A) Authorizing the granting of degrees, diplomas, certificates, or other educational credentials by postsecondary educational institutions and prohibiting the granting of false or misleading educational credentials; (B) Establishing minimum standards concerning the provision of education, ethical business practices, and fiscal responsibility to protect against substandard, transient, unethical, deceptive, or fraudulent institutions and practices; (C) Providing certain rights and remedies to the consuming public and the commission necessary to effectuate the purposes of this part; (D) Prohibiting misleading literature, advertising, solicitation, or representation by educational institutions or their agents; and (E) Providing formal authorization to postsecondary educational institutions that meet minimum standards and operate lawfully in compliance with this part.
(A) Authorizing the granting of degrees, diplomas, certificates, or other educational credentials by postsecondary educational institutions and prohibiting the granting of false or misleading educational credentials;
(B) Establishing minimum standards concerning the provision of education, ethical business practices, and fiscal responsibility to protect against substandard, transient, unethical, deceptive, or fraudulent institutions and practices;
(C) Providing certain rights and remedies to the consuming public and the commission necessary to effectuate the purposes of this part;
(D) Prohibiting misleading literature, advertising, solicitation, or representation by educational institutions or their agents; and
(E) Providing formal authorization to postsecondary educational institutions that meet minimum standards and operate lawfully in compliance with this part.
(b) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.]
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, Secs.s3, s4 eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 2, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 868, s 2, eff. 10/1/2016.
Acts 1961, ch. 112, § 2; 1965, ch. 350, § 2; 1967, ch. 355, § 34; 1974, ch. 781, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-3902.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-903 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-903
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part: (1) "Department" means the department of education; (2) "Educator preparation provider" means an entity approved by the state board that is responsible for managing, operating, or coordinating programs for the preparation and licensure of teachers, school leaders, and other school personnel; (3) "Foundational literacy skills" means phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension; (4) "Foundational literacy skills instruction" means an evidence-based method of teaching students to read that includes phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension that enables students to develop the reading skills required to meet Tennessee's academic standards; (5) "Foundational literacy skills plan" means a proposal that details how an LEA or public charter school plans to provide foundational literacy skills instruction to students and reading interventions and supports, which may include interventions provided pursuant to Tennessee's response to instruction and intervention framework manual, to students identified as having a significant reading deficiency; (6) "Home literacy report" means a report provided to a student's parent by the LEA or public charter school describing the student's progress in foundational literacy skills; (7) "Parent" means a child's parent or guardian; a person who has custody of the child; or a person designated as the child's caregiver with the power of attorney for the care of the minor child pursuant to the Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child Act, compiled in title 34, chapter 6, part 3, who is authorized to enroll the child in public school pursuant to § 49-6-3001 ; (8) "Significant reading deficiency" means: (A) For students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3), that a student's score on a universal reading screener is within the range of scores determined by the department to demonstrate a lack of proficiency in foundational literacy skills; and (B) For students in grades four (4) or five (5), that a student scored below proficient in English language arts on the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) test most recently administered to the student; (9) "State board" means the state board of education; (10) "Tennessee universal reading screener" means the universal reading screener provided by the department; and (11) "Universal reading screener" means a uniform tool that screens and monitors a student's progress in foundational literacy skills. Added by 2021EX1 Tenn. Acts, ch. 3, s 3, eff. 2/3/2021.
As used in this part:
(1) "Department" means the department of education;
(2) "Educator preparation provider" means an entity approved by the state board that is responsible for managing, operating, or coordinating programs for the preparation and licensure of teachers, school leaders, and other school personnel;
(3) "Foundational literacy skills" means phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension;
(4) "Foundational literacy skills instruction" means an evidence-based method of teaching students to read that includes phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension that enables students to develop the reading skills required to meet Tennessee's academic standards;
(5) "Foundational literacy skills plan" means a proposal that details how an LEA or public charter school plans to provide foundational literacy skills instruction to students and reading interventions and supports, which may include interventions provided pursuant to Tennessee's response to instruction and intervention framework manual, to students identified as having a significant reading deficiency;
(6) "Home literacy report" means a report provided to a student's parent by the LEA or public charter school describing the student's progress in foundational literacy skills;
(7) "Parent" means a child's parent or guardian; a person who has custody of the child; or a person designated as the child's caregiver with the power of attorney for the care of the minor child pursuant to the Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child Act, compiled in title 34, chapter 6, part 3, who is authorized to enroll the child in public school pursuant to § 49-6-3001 ;
(8) "Significant reading deficiency" means: (A) For students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3), that a student's score on a universal reading screener is within the range of scores determined by the department to demonstrate a lack of proficiency in foundational literacy skills; and (B) For students in grades four (4) or five (5), that a student scored below proficient in English language arts on the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) test most recently administered to the student;
(A) For students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3), that a student's score on a universal reading screener is within the range of scores determined by the department to demonstrate a lack of proficiency in foundational literacy skills; and
(B) For students in grades four (4) or five (5), that a student scored below proficient in English language arts on the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) test most recently administered to the student;
(9) "State board" means the state board of education;
(10) "Tennessee universal reading screener" means the universal reading screener provided by the department; and
(11) "Universal reading screener" means a uniform tool that screens and monitors a student's progress in foundational literacy skills.
Added by 2021EX1 Tenn. Acts, ch. 3, s 3, eff. 2/3/2021.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-8-204 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 49-8-204
Code of ethics - Material violation - Hearing - Vacancy
Status: in_force

(a) The board of regents and each state university board shall establish and adopt a code of ethics that shall apply to and govern the conduct of all appointed members of each board. (b) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of its membership, the board of regents and each state university board may remove any appointed member of the respective board for a material violation of the code of ethics. (c) A board vote to remove one (1) 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 board'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. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 869,s 22, eff. 7/1/2016. Acts 2003, ch. 327, § 2.
(a) The board of regents and each state university board shall establish and adopt a code of ethics that shall apply to and govern the conduct of all appointed members of each board.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of its membership, the board of regents and each state university board may remove any appointed member of the respective board for a material violation of the code of ethics.
(c) A board vote to remove one (1) 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 board'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.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 869,s 22, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 2003, ch. 327, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-6008 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-6008
Release of assessment information
Status: in_force

(a) Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, the department of education shall provide LEAs with access to their students' Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) and end-of-course assessment items and the students' answers on such assessments. (b) Upon request, LEAs shall provide a student and the student's parents with access to the student's Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) and end-of-course assessment items and the student's answers on such assessments. (c) The release of assessment information pursuant to this section shall not include any items required by the department to validate future administrations of the assessments; items that are being field tested for future administrations of the assessments; or passages, content, or related items if the release would be in violation of copyright infringement laws. (d) A teacher shall have access to the teacher's students' information identified in subsection (a) to assist the teacher in determining the students' mastery of state standards; to aid in planning instruction and support for the students' learning needs; and to improve the teacher's instruction. (e) As used in this section, "parent" means the parent, guardian, or person who has custody of the child, or the individual who has caregiving authority under § 49-6-3001 . (f) The release of information pursuant to this section shall comply with the Data Accessibility, Transparency and Accountability Act, compiled in title 49, chapter 1, part 7. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 844, s 4, eff. 7/1/2016.
(a) Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, the department of education shall provide LEAs with access to their students' Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) and end-of-course assessment items and the students' answers on such assessments.
(b) Upon request, LEAs shall provide a student and the student's parents with access to the student's Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) and end-of-course assessment items and the student's answers on such assessments.
(c) The release of assessment information pursuant to this section shall not include any items required by the department to validate future administrations of the assessments; items that are being field tested for future administrations of the assessments; or passages, content, or related items if the release would be in violation of copyright infringement laws.
(d) A teacher shall have access to the teacher's students' information identified in subsection (a) to assist the teacher in determining the students' mastery of state standards; to aid in planning instruction and support for the students' learning needs; and to improve the teacher's instruction.
(e) As used in this section, "parent" means the parent, guardian, or person who has custody of the child, or the individual who has caregiving authority under § 49-6-3001 .
(f) The release of information pursuant to this section shall comply with the Data Accessibility, Transparency and Accountability Act, compiled in title 49, chapter 1, part 7.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 844, s 4, eff. 7/1/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-7007 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-7007
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248,s 72, eff. 5/2/2019. Acts 2012, ch. 1044, § 1.
Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248,s 72, eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 2012, ch. 1044, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-203 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 49-10-203
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 18, eff. 4/11/2019. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 767,s 6, eff. 7/1/2018. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 767,s 5, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1972, ch. 839, § 4; T.C.A., § 49-2922; Acts 1994, ch. 768, § 2.
Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 18, eff. 4/11/2019.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 767,s 6, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 767,s 5, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1972, ch. 839, § 4; T.C.A., § 49-2922; Acts 1994, ch. 768, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3101 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-3101
Enrollment of dependent child of service member
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Dependent child" means a child of school age who is the natural child, stepchild, or adopted child of a service member; and (2) "Service member" means a member of the United States armed forces who is engaged in active military service. (b) A board of education shall allow a student who does not reside within the boundaries of the school district to enroll in a public school within the school district if: (1) The student is the dependent child of a service member who is being relocated to this state on military orders and will, upon relocation, be a resident of the school district, but will not be a resident of the school district when the school district conducts an open enrollment period; and (2) The service member provides the school district with documentation evidencing that the student is the dependent child of the service member and that the service member is being relocated to this state on military orders and will, upon relocation, be a resident of the school district. (c) Each board of education shall adopt policies to establish a reasonable period of time within which a student permitted to enroll and attend a public school under this section must provide proof of residency within the school district. Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 138,s 1, eff. 4/9/2019.
(a) As used in this section: (1) "Dependent child" means a child of school age who is the natural child, stepchild, or adopted child of a service member; and (2) "Service member" means a member of the United States armed forces who is engaged in active military service.
(1) "Dependent child" means a child of school age who is the natural child, stepchild, or adopted child of a service member; and
(2) "Service member" means a member of the United States armed forces who is engaged in active military service.
(b) A board of education shall allow a student who does not reside within the boundaries of the school district to enroll in a public school within the school district if: (1) The student is the dependent child of a service member who is being relocated to this state on military orders and will, upon relocation, be a resident of the school district, but will not be a resident of the school district when the school district conducts an open enrollment period; and (2) The service member provides the school district with documentation evidencing that the student is the dependent child of the service member and that the service member is being relocated to this state on military orders and will, upon relocation, be a resident of the school district.
(1) The student is the dependent child of a service member who is being relocated to this state on military orders and will, upon relocation, be a resident of the school district, but will not be a resident of the school district when the school district conducts an open enrollment period; and
(2) The service member provides the school district with documentation evidencing that the student is the dependent child of the service member and that the service member is being relocated to this state on military orders and will, upon relocation, be a resident of the school district.
(c) Each board of education shall adopt policies to establish a reasonable period of time within which a student permitted to enroll and attend a public school under this section must provide proof of residency within the school district.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 138,s 1, eff. 4/9/2019.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-1257 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-1257
Multi-county consolidated school systems - Approval or rejection of plan
Status: in_force

(a) Where the planning commission has submitted a plan of consolidation to the department of education and has thereafter approved the plan, the proposed plan of consolidation shall be submitted to the governing bodies of the counties involved. (b) Before taking action upon the proposed plan, each of the governing bodies shall hold at least one (1) public hearing duly advertised one (1) week or more prior to the hearing, in a newspaper or newspapers of general circulation throughout the county. (c) Subsequent to the public hearing, each governing body shall consider and act upon the proposed plan of consolidation at its next regular meeting. (d) The governing body is authorized to: (1) Approve the proposed plan of consolidation; or (2) Disapprove the proposed plan of consolidation. (e) Where the governing bodies of all the counties have disapproved the proposed plan of consolidation, the proposed plan of consolidation shall be deemed rejected and finally disposed of. (f) Whenever a plan of consolidation has been approved by all counties involved, a copy of the plan of consolidation shall be delivered to the consolidated school board. Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 68.
(a) Where the planning commission has submitted a plan of consolidation to the department of education and has thereafter approved the plan, the proposed plan of consolidation shall be submitted to the governing bodies of the counties involved.
(b) Before taking action upon the proposed plan, each of the governing bodies shall hold at least one (1) public hearing duly advertised one (1) week or more prior to the hearing, in a newspaper or newspapers of general circulation throughout the county.
(c) Subsequent to the public hearing, each governing body shall consider and act upon the proposed plan of consolidation at its next regular meeting.
(d) The governing body is authorized to: (1) Approve the proposed plan of consolidation; or (2) Disapprove the proposed plan of consolidation.
(1) Approve the proposed plan of consolidation; or
(2) Disapprove the proposed plan of consolidation.
(e) Where the governing bodies of all the counties have disapproved the proposed plan of consolidation, the proposed plan of consolidation shall be deemed rejected and finally disposed of.
(f) Whenever a plan of consolidation has been approved by all counties involved, a copy of the plan of consolidation shall be delivered to the consolidated school board.
Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 68.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-1304 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-1304
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 932, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1986, ch. 801, § 4; 2005, ch. 415, § 1.
Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 932, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1986, ch. 801, § 4; 2005, ch. 415, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-706 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-706
Family medicine student loan repayment grant - Health resource shortage area - Requirements
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section, "health resource shortage area" means an area determined to be a health resource shortage area by the department of health, office of rural health. (b) Subject to specific appropriation of funds by the general assembly, there is created a family medicine student loan repayment grant program to incentivize physicians in residency training to provide medical health services in health resource shortage areas following completion of their training. (c) To be eligible for a family medicine student loan repayment grant, a person must: (1) Have graduated from an accredited medical school; (2) Be actively enrolled in a Tennessee family medicine residency training program, matched through the existing matching process used for graduate medical education and accredited for certification by the American Board of Family Medicine; (3) Apply to the department of health for a grant, on forms provided by the department, during family medicine residency training; and (4) Enter into a contract with the department to provide medical health services in a Tennessee health resource shortage area for at least five (5) years following residency training in family medicine. (d) (1) The department of health shall administer the family medicine student loan repayment program or contract with a nonprofit organization for the nonprofit organization to administer some or all portions of the family medicine student loan repayment program; provided, that the nonprofit organization: (A) Is exempt from federal income taxation as a 501(c)(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Code ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) ); (B) Maintains a principal office in this state; and (C) Is affiliated with a nonprofit membership organization composed of family physicians, family medicine residents, and medical students in this state. (2) The department, in consultation with the Tennessee student assistance corporation, the board of medical examiners, and the board of osteopathic examination, is authorized to promulgate rules for the management and administration of the family medicine student loan repayment program. The rules must be promulgated according to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. (e) (1) The department shall issue program monies to pay family medicine student loan repayment grants to grant recipients for the amount of principal, interest, and related expenses of the physician's medical school educational loans, not to exceed the physician's total student loan indebtedness. (2) Subject to the appropriation of sufficient funds and verification that a physician meets the eligibility requirements in subsection (c), the department may award family medicine student loan repayment grants to qualifying physicians of up to forty thousand dollars ($40,000) per year for a maximum of five (5) years; provided, that the sum of all family medicine student loan repayment grants made to a qualifying physician must not exceed the physician's total student loan indebtedness. (f) The department may use private donations, grants, federal monies, and state monies to implement, support, promote, or maintain the family medicine student loan repayment program. The department shall issue an annual report to the governor, the chair of the education administration committee of the house of representatives, and the chair of the senate education committee detailing the number of physicians applying for and awarded grants, including information regarding the number of applicants and grant recipients identified by health resource shortage area. (g) A physician who receives a family medicine student loan repayment grant and breaches the contract created pursuant to subdivision (c)(4) by failing to begin or to complete the obligated services is liable for liquidated damages in an amount equivalent to the amount that would be owed for default and any other penalties as determined and authorized by the department. The department may retain legal counsel and commence whatever actions necessary to collect loan payments and charges if there is a default or a breach of a contract entered into under subdivision (c)(4). The department may waive the liquidated damages provisions of this subsection (g) if it determines that death or permanent physical disability accounted for the failure of the participant to fulfill the contract. The department may prescribe additional conditions for default, cancellation, waiver, or suspension. (h) No retroactive award of a family medicine resident training student loan repayment grant shall be made under this section. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 856,s 1, eff. 5/1/2024. Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 414, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
(a) As used in this section, "health resource shortage area" means an area determined to be a health resource shortage area by the department of health, office of rural health.
(b) Subject to specific appropriation of funds by the general assembly, there is created a family medicine student loan repayment grant program to incentivize physicians in residency training to provide medical health services in health resource shortage areas following completion of their training.
(c) To be eligible for a family medicine student loan repayment grant, a person must: (1) Have graduated from an accredited medical school; (2) Be actively enrolled in a Tennessee family medicine residency training program, matched through the existing matching process used for graduate medical education and accredited for certification by the American Board of Family Medicine; (3) Apply to the department of health for a grant, on forms provided by the department, during family medicine residency training; and (4) Enter into a contract with the department to provide medical health services in a Tennessee health resource shortage area for at least five (5) years following residency training in family medicine.
(1) Have graduated from an accredited medical school;
(2) Be actively enrolled in a Tennessee family medicine residency training program, matched through the existing matching process used for graduate medical education and accredited for certification by the American Board of Family Medicine;
(3) Apply to the department of health for a grant, on forms provided by the department, during family medicine residency training; and
(4) Enter into a contract with the department to provide medical health services in a Tennessee health resource shortage area for at least five (5) years following residency training in family medicine.
(d) (1) The department of health shall administer the family medicine student loan repayment program or contract with a nonprofit organization for the nonprofit organization to administer some or all portions of the family medicine student loan repayment program; provided, that the nonprofit organization: (A) Is exempt from federal income taxation as a 501(c)(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Code ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) ); (B) Maintains a principal office in this state; and (C) Is affiliated with a nonprofit membership organization composed of family physicians, family medicine residents, and medical students in this state. (2) The department, in consultation with the Tennessee student assistance corporation, the board of medical examiners, and the board of osteopathic examination, is authorized to promulgate rules for the management and administration of the family medicine student loan repayment program. The rules must be promulgated according to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(1) The department of health shall administer the family medicine student loan repayment program or contract with a nonprofit organization for the nonprofit organization to administer some or all portions of the family medicine student loan repayment program; provided, that the nonprofit organization: (A) Is exempt from federal income taxation as a 501(c)(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Code ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) ); (B) Maintains a principal office in this state; and (C) Is affiliated with a nonprofit membership organization composed of family physicians, family medicine residents, and medical students in this state.
(A) Is exempt from federal income taxation as a 501(c)(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Code ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) );
(B) Maintains a principal office in this state; and
(C) Is affiliated with a nonprofit membership organization composed of family physicians, family medicine residents, and medical students in this state.
(2) The department, in consultation with the Tennessee student assistance corporation, the board of medical examiners, and the board of osteopathic examination, is authorized to promulgate rules for the management and administration of the family medicine student loan repayment program. The rules must be promulgated according to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(e) (1) The department shall issue program monies to pay family medicine student loan repayment grants to grant recipients for the amount of principal, interest, and related expenses of the physician's medical school educational loans, not to exceed the physician's total student loan indebtedness. (2) Subject to the appropriation of sufficient funds and verification that a physician meets the eligibility requirements in subsection (c), the department may award family medicine student loan repayment grants to qualifying physicians of up to forty thousand dollars ($40,000) per year for a maximum of five (5) years; provided, that the sum of all family medicine student loan repayment grants made to a qualifying physician must not exceed the physician's total student loan indebtedness.
(1) The department shall issue program monies to pay family medicine student loan repayment grants to grant recipients for the amount of principal, interest, and related expenses of the physician's medical school educational loans, not to exceed the physician's total student loan indebtedness.
(2) Subject to the appropriation of sufficient funds and verification that a physician meets the eligibility requirements in subsection (c), the department may award family medicine student loan repayment grants to qualifying physicians of up to forty thousand dollars ($40,000) per year for a maximum of five (5) years; provided, that the sum of all family medicine student loan repayment grants made to a qualifying physician must not exceed the physician's total student loan indebtedness.
(f) The department may use private donations, grants, federal monies, and state monies to implement, support, promote, or maintain the family medicine student loan repayment program. The department shall issue an annual report to the governor, the chair of the education administration committee of the house of representatives, and the chair of the senate education committee detailing the number of physicians applying for and awarded grants, including information regarding the number of applicants and grant recipients identified by health resource shortage area.
(g) A physician who receives a family medicine student loan repayment grant and breaches the contract created pursuant to subdivision (c)(4) by failing to begin or to complete the obligated services is liable for liquidated damages in an amount equivalent to the amount that would be owed for default and any other penalties as determined and authorized by the department. The department may retain legal counsel and commence whatever actions necessary to collect loan payments and charges if there is a default or a breach of a contract entered into under subdivision (c)(4). The department may waive the liquidated damages provisions of this subsection (g) if it determines that death or permanent physical disability accounted for the failure of the participant to fulfill the contract. The department may prescribe additional conditions for default, cancellation, waiver, or suspension.
(h) No retroactive award of a family medicine resident training student loan repayment grant shall be made under this section.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 856,s 1, eff. 5/1/2024.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 414, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-8-115 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 49-8-115
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 980, s 12, eff. 7/1/2018. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 869, s 14, eff. 7/1/2016. Acts 1991, ch. 168, § 1.
Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 980, s 12, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 869, s 14, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 1991, ch. 168, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-402 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-402
Schools authorized
Status: in_force

Local boards of education are authorized and empowered to establish and maintain junior and senior high schools when, in the judgment of the boards, the system of public schools over which they exercise lawful control will, by the employment of this type of school organization, better serve the educational needs of the pupils enrolled in the schools. Acts 1931, ch. 71, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 2393.4; Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 49; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1104.
Local boards of education are authorized and empowered to establish and maintain junior and senior high schools when, in the judgment of the boards, the system of public schools over which they exercise lawful control will, by the employment of this type of school organization, better serve the educational needs of the pupils enrolled in the schools.
Acts 1931, ch. 71, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 2393.4; Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 49; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1104.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-4506 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-4506
Task forces, programs or other initiatives
Status: in_force

School districts are encouraged to form harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying prevention task forces, programs and other initiatives involving school employees, students, administrators, volunteers, parents, guardians, law enforcement and community representatives. Acts 2005, ch. 202, § 1; 2011, ch. 251, § 1; T.C.A., § 45-6-1019.
School districts are encouraged to form harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying prevention task forces, programs and other initiatives involving school employees, students, administrators, volunteers, parents, guardians, law enforcement and community representatives.
Acts 2005, ch. 202, § 1; 2011, ch. 251, § 1; T.C.A., § 45-6-1019.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-403 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-403
Teachers - Licenses required
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall be employed to teach in any public elementary or high school or receive pay for teaching out of the public funds of any school system until the person has received a license from the commissioner or state board of education. (b) As used in parts 2, 4 and 7 of this chapter, "employ," and all derivatives of "employ," means to put to work in a position compensated from public funds, and shall not be construed to preclude election by the local board of education of a teacher prior to that teacher's having received a license, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the state board of education. (c) This section does not apply to a student teacher. As used in this section, "student teacher" means a student enrolled in an institution of higher learning approved by the state board of education for teacher training, who is jointly assigned by the institution of higher learning and the local board of education to perform practice teaching under the direction of a regularly employed and licensed teacher. A student teacher, while serving a nonsalaried internship under the supervision of a licensed teacher, shall be accorded the same protection of the laws as that accorded a licensed teacher, and shall, while acting as a student teacher, comply with all rules and regulations of the state and applicable local board of education and observe all duties of teachers as set forth in § 49-5-201 . A student teacher who has been jointly assigned to a before-and-after school care program and who performs in a nonsalaried internship under the direction of a regularly employed teacher shall, while serving in this position, be accorded the same protection of the laws as is accorded a licensed teacher, specifically including protections under the Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act, compiled in title 29, chapter 20. (d) Since preschool and early childhood special education require very specialized curriculum and practicum experience, the state board of education shall establish licensing requirements and procedures for preschool and early childhood special education teachers. Such licensing requirements and procedures shall be submitted to the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives for review prior to their implementation. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 81, eff. 3/29/2021. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 94, eff. 5/10/2019. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 39, eff. 4/17/2015. Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 8; Shan. Supp., § 1487a47; Code 1932, § 2336; impl. am. Acts 1951, ch. 58, § 7; Acts 1969, ch. 73, § 1; 1974, ch. 654, §§ 60, 61; 1976, ch. 400, § 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1301; Acts 1987, ch. 308, § 23; 1988, ch. 765, § 1; 1989, ch. 37, § 2; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (m).
(a) No person shall be employed to teach in any public elementary or high school or receive pay for teaching out of the public funds of any school system until the person has received a license from the commissioner or state board of education.
(b) As used in parts 2, 4 and 7 of this chapter, "employ," and all derivatives of "employ," means to put to work in a position compensated from public funds, and shall not be construed to preclude election by the local board of education of a teacher prior to that teacher's having received a license, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the state board of education.
(c) This section does not apply to a student teacher. As used in this section, "student teacher" means a student enrolled in an institution of higher learning approved by the state board of education for teacher training, who is jointly assigned by the institution of higher learning and the local board of education to perform practice teaching under the direction of a regularly employed and licensed teacher. A student teacher, while serving a nonsalaried internship under the supervision of a licensed teacher, shall be accorded the same protection of the laws as that accorded a licensed teacher, and shall, while acting as a student teacher, comply with all rules and regulations of the state and applicable local board of education and observe all duties of teachers as set forth in § 49-5-201 . A student teacher who has been jointly assigned to a before-and-after school care program and who performs in a nonsalaried internship under the direction of a regularly employed teacher shall, while serving in this position, be accorded the same protection of the laws as is accorded a licensed teacher, specifically including protections under the Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act, compiled in title 29, chapter 20.
(d) Since preschool and early childhood special education require very specialized curriculum and practicum experience, the state board of education shall establish licensing requirements and procedures for preschool and early childhood special education teachers. Such licensing requirements and procedures shall be submitted to the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives for review prior to their implementation.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 81, eff. 3/29/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 94, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 39, eff. 4/17/2015.
Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 8; Shan. Supp., § 1487a47; Code 1932, § 2336; impl. am. Acts 1951, ch. 58, § 7; Acts 1969, ch. 73, § 1; 1974, ch. 654, §§ 60, 61; 1976, ch. 400, § 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1301; Acts 1987, ch. 308, § 23; 1988, ch. 765, § 1; 1989, ch. 37, § 2; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (m).
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-704 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-704
Rules and regulations
Status: in_force

The state board of education, on the recommendation of the commissioner of education, is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate this part. The rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Acts 2004, ch. 953, § 2.
The state board of education, on the recommendation of the commissioner of education, is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate this part. The rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Acts 2004, ch. 953, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-604 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-604
Recruitment, selection and appointment of interns
Status: in_force

(a) The sponsoring committee shall recruit, select, appoint, fix the stipends for and assign interns to appropriate offices of the general assembly in the following manner: (1) Applications for student internships will be submitted to the official representative of the participating college or university, by the date established by the sponsoring committee. The official representative shall conduct an initial screening procedure; (2) The official representative shall forward appropriate applications to the academic intern committee for their consideration; and (3) Applicants tentatively accepted by the academic intern committee will appear before the committee for an interview and final approval. (b) In addition to its duties as a member of the sponsoring committee, the academic intern committee shall make recommendations to participating universities and colleges regarding academic credit, course content, seminars or other information designed to enhance intern effectiveness and involve the academic community. (c) In addition, the sponsoring committee shall fix the number of hours to be devoted to its internship program by the interns. Should any intern fail to meet the standards set from time to time by the sponsoring committee, the intern's appointment may be terminated by a majority vote of the sponsoring committee. (d) In recruiting, selecting and appointing legislative interns, the legislative intern committee, the academic intern committee and official faculty representatives shall make every effort to assure that minority group students may be included among those selected as interns for each legislative session. (e) Student interns shall be appointed for each regular legislative session, for terms that the sponsoring committee may determine. Acts 1972, ch. 706, § 5; 1973, ch. 147, § 4; 1974, ch. 569, § 2; T.C.A., §§ 49-4704, 49-4705.
(a) The sponsoring committee shall recruit, select, appoint, fix the stipends for and assign interns to appropriate offices of the general assembly in the following manner: (1) Applications for student internships will be submitted to the official representative of the participating college or university, by the date established by the sponsoring committee. The official representative shall conduct an initial screening procedure; (2) The official representative shall forward appropriate applications to the academic intern committee for their consideration; and (3) Applicants tentatively accepted by the academic intern committee will appear before the committee for an interview and final approval.
(1) Applications for student internships will be submitted to the official representative of the participating college or university, by the date established by the sponsoring committee. The official representative shall conduct an initial screening procedure;
(2) The official representative shall forward appropriate applications to the academic intern committee for their consideration; and
(3) Applicants tentatively accepted by the academic intern committee will appear before the committee for an interview and final approval.
(b) In addition to its duties as a member of the sponsoring committee, the academic intern committee shall make recommendations to participating universities and colleges regarding academic credit, course content, seminars or other information designed to enhance intern effectiveness and involve the academic community.
(c) In addition, the sponsoring committee shall fix the number of hours to be devoted to its internship program by the interns. Should any intern fail to meet the standards set from time to time by the sponsoring committee, the intern's appointment may be terminated by a majority vote of the sponsoring committee.
(d) In recruiting, selecting and appointing legislative interns, the legislative intern committee, the academic intern committee and official faculty representatives shall make every effort to assure that minority group students may be included among those selected as interns for each legislative session.
(e) Student interns shall be appointed for each regular legislative session, for terms that the sponsoring committee may determine.
Acts 1972, ch. 706, § 5; 1973, ch. 147, § 4; 1974, ch. 569, § 2; T.C.A., §§ 49-4704, 49-4705.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-108 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-108
Donations by local governments
Status: in_force

(a) The county legislative body of any county or the governing body of any city of this state may contract with and make donations or contributions to any public or tax-supported college, university or other public institution of higher education, or any nonprofit general welfare private corporation established for the specific purpose of promoting and supporting literary, scientific, educational, scholarship, research, charitable and developmental purposes and objects at or under the supervision, authority and direction of the college, university or other public institution of higher education, whereby the college, university or other public institution may provide programs of study and research that will be a benefit to the counties and municipalities and surrounding territory. (b) The county legislative body of any county or the governing body of any city may levy taxes that are necessary to provide for the payments, donations or contributions. Acts 1965, ch. 39, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., §§ 49-3233, 49-3234.
(a) The county legislative body of any county or the governing body of any city of this state may contract with and make donations or contributions to any public or tax-supported college, university or other public institution of higher education, or any nonprofit general welfare private corporation established for the specific purpose of promoting and supporting literary, scientific, educational, scholarship, research, charitable and developmental purposes and objects at or under the supervision, authority and direction of the college, university or other public institution of higher education, whereby the college, university or other public institution may provide programs of study and research that will be a benefit to the counties and municipalities and surrounding territory.
(b) The county legislative body of any county or the governing body of any city may levy taxes that are necessary to provide for the payments, donations or contributions.
Acts 1965, ch. 39, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., §§ 49-3233, 49-3234.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-901 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-901
Short title
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Public Broadcasting Act of 1984." Acts 1984, ch. 514, § 1.
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Public Broadcasting Act of 1984."
Acts 1984, ch. 514, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2001 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2001
Short title
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and cited as the "Tennessee Higher Education Authorization Act of 2016." Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 868,s 1, eff. 10/1/2016. Acts 1961, ch. 112, § 1; 1965, ch. 350, § 1; 1967, ch. 355, § 33; 1968, ch. 624, § 1; 1973, ch. 285, § 1; 1974, ch. 781, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-3901.
This part shall be known and cited as the "Tennessee Higher Education Authorization Act of 2016."
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 868,s 1, eff. 10/1/2016.
Acts 1961, ch. 112, § 1; 1965, ch. 350, § 1; 1967, ch. 355, § 33; 1968, ch. 624, § 1; 1973, ch. 285, § 1; 1974, ch. 781, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-3901.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-141 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-141
Minimizing cost of textbooks and course materials
Status: in_force

(a) The University of Tennessee system and the Tennessee board of regents shall develop policies for minimizing the cost of textbooks and course materials used at public institutions of higher education while maintaining quality of education and academic freedom. These policies shall require that: (1) Faculty members submit lists of required textbooks and course materials to any on-campus bookstore in a timely manner to ensure that a sufficient quantity of the textbooks and materials are available for purchase when courses begin and that the lists, along with other relevant information concerning textbooks and course materials, including, but not limited to any International Standard Book Number (ISBN), are made available to students on the institution's website, using existing computer software; (2) Any on-campus bookstore disclose to faculty members on a per course basis the costs to students of purchasing the required textbooks and course materials and that faculty members affirmatively acknowledge the price of the textbooks and materials before an order is completed; (3) Faculty members consider the least costly practices in assigning textbooks and course materials, such as adopting the least expensive edition of a textbook available when educational content is comparable to a more costly edition as determined by the faculty member and working closely with publishers and bookstores to create bundles and packages only if they deliver cost savings to students; (4) Any on-campus bookstore selling textbooks to students as part of a bundled package with other study products recommended by the publisher also provide students the option of purchasing the textbooks and other study products separately from each other, if possible; (5) Any on-campus bookstore actively promote and publicize book buy-back programs; (6) Copies of textbooks shall be made available for student use at no cost through the academic department or through the reserve system of the institution's library; provided, that the textbooks have been furnished at no charge by the publisher for this purpose; and (7) All textbook inventory and monitoring required of any on-campus bookstore by any policy adopted shall be accomplished by existing bookstore staff. (b) As used in subsection (a), "bundled" means a group of objects joined together by packaging or required to be purchased as an indivisible unit. Acts 2007, ch. 504, § 1.
(a) The University of Tennessee system and the Tennessee board of regents shall develop policies for minimizing the cost of textbooks and course materials used at public institutions of higher education while maintaining quality of education and academic freedom. These policies shall require that: (1) Faculty members submit lists of required textbooks and course materials to any on-campus bookstore in a timely manner to ensure that a sufficient quantity of the textbooks and materials are available for purchase when courses begin and that the lists, along with other relevant information concerning textbooks and course materials, including, but not limited to any International Standard Book Number (ISBN), are made available to students on the institution's website, using existing computer software; (2) Any on-campus bookstore disclose to faculty members on a per course basis the costs to students of purchasing the required textbooks and course materials and that faculty members affirmatively acknowledge the price of the textbooks and materials before an order is completed; (3) Faculty members consider the least costly practices in assigning textbooks and course materials, such as adopting the least expensive edition of a textbook available when educational content is comparable to a more costly edition as determined by the faculty member and working closely with publishers and bookstores to create bundles and packages only if they deliver cost savings to students; (4) Any on-campus bookstore selling textbooks to students as part of a bundled package with other study products recommended by the publisher also provide students the option of purchasing the textbooks and other study products separately from each other, if possible; (5) Any on-campus bookstore actively promote and publicize book buy-back programs; (6) Copies of textbooks shall be made available for student use at no cost through the academic department or through the reserve system of the institution's library; provided, that the textbooks have been furnished at no charge by the publisher for this purpose; and (7) All textbook inventory and monitoring required of any on-campus bookstore by any policy adopted shall be accomplished by existing bookstore staff.
(1) Faculty members submit lists of required textbooks and course materials to any on-campus bookstore in a timely manner to ensure that a sufficient quantity of the textbooks and materials are available for purchase when courses begin and that the lists, along with other relevant information concerning textbooks and course materials, including, but not limited to any International Standard Book Number (ISBN), are made available to students on the institution's website, using existing computer software;
(2) Any on-campus bookstore disclose to faculty members on a per course basis the costs to students of purchasing the required textbooks and course materials and that faculty members affirmatively acknowledge the price of the textbooks and materials before an order is completed;
(3) Faculty members consider the least costly practices in assigning textbooks and course materials, such as adopting the least expensive edition of a textbook available when educational content is comparable to a more costly edition as determined by the faculty member and working closely with publishers and bookstores to create bundles and packages only if they deliver cost savings to students;
(4) Any on-campus bookstore selling textbooks to students as part of a bundled package with other study products recommended by the publisher also provide students the option of purchasing the textbooks and other study products separately from each other, if possible;
(5) Any on-campus bookstore actively promote and publicize book buy-back programs;
(6) Copies of textbooks shall be made available for student use at no cost through the academic department or through the reserve system of the institution's library; provided, that the textbooks have been furnished at no charge by the publisher for this purpose; and
(7) All textbook inventory and monitoring required of any on-campus bookstore by any policy adopted shall be accomplished by existing bookstore staff.
(b) As used in subsection (a), "bundled" means a group of objects joined together by packaging or required to be purchased as an indivisible unit.
Acts 2007, ch. 504, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-189 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-189
Mandatory inclusion of equal protection compliance in audit reports
Status: in_force

To ensure compliance with the United States supreme court's ruling in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College , 600 U.S. 181 (2023), the office of the comptroller of the treasury shall include in any audit conducted by the office of the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee system, the board of regents of the state university and community college system, or a local governing board of trustees of a state university an examination into whether each institution governed by the respective board is complying with the equal protection provisions of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article XI, § 8 of the Constitution of Tennessee in the institution's admission program and practices. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1067,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
To ensure compliance with the United States supreme court's ruling in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College , 600 U.S. 181 (2023), the office of the comptroller of the treasury shall include in any audit conducted by the office of the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee system, the board of regents of the state university and community college system, or a local governing board of trustees of a state university an examination into whether each institution governed by the respective board is complying with the equal protection provisions of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article XI, § 8 of the Constitution of Tennessee in the institution's admission program and practices.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1067,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.