Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-306 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-306
Goals
Status: in_force

It is the legislative intent that the state board of education develop measurable goals or benchmarks, or both, and submit the goals or benchmarks to the education committee of the senate and the education committees of the house of representatives. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 69, eff. 3/29/2021. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 79, eff. 5/10/2019. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 14, eff. 4/17/2015. Acts 1984 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 6, § 28; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (c).
It is the legislative intent that the state board of education develop measurable goals or benchmarks, or both, and submit the goals or benchmarks to the education committee of the senate and the education committees of the house of representatives.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 69, eff. 3/29/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 79, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 14, eff. 4/17/2015.
Acts 1984 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 6, § 28; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (c).
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-11-304 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 49-11-304
Admission - Tuition free
Status: in_force

(a) Pupils from the respective school districts in the area to be served shall be admitted upon the basis of the terms of the contract entered into between the respective boards of education, but in no event shall any tuition be charged. (b) (1) Pupils admitted to the school shall be of sufficient age and maturity to be able to perform the vocation or craft selected at the time of completion of the course. (2) Admission shall not be based on academic credits or college entrance requirements. Acts 1947, ch. 98, §§ 3, 4; C. Supp. 1950, §§ 2483.13, 2483.14 (Williams, §§ 2483.7, 2483.8); Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 126; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-2603, 49-2607.
(a) Pupils from the respective school districts in the area to be served shall be admitted upon the basis of the terms of the contract entered into between the respective boards of education, but in no event shall any tuition be charged.
(b) (1) Pupils admitted to the school shall be of sufficient age and maturity to be able to perform the vocation or craft selected at the time of completion of the course. (2) Admission shall not be based on academic credits or college entrance requirements.
(1) Pupils admitted to the school shall be of sufficient age and maturity to be able to perform the vocation or craft selected at the time of completion of the course.
(2) Admission shall not be based on academic credits or college entrance requirements.
Acts 1947, ch. 98, §§ 3, 4; C. Supp. 1950, §§ 2483.13, 2483.14 (Williams, §§ 2483.7, 2483.8); Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 126; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-2603, 49-2607.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-1304 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-1304
Veterans exempt from payment of out-of-state tuition or fees under certain conditions
Status: in_force

(a) A veteran or other individual eligible to receive educational benefits administered by the United States department of veterans affairs, through any provision of the United States Code, shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition or any out-of-state fee when the veteran or other individual is: (1) Enrolled in any public institution of higher education in this state; (2) Utilizing such benefits at the enrolling institution; and (3) Living in the state of Tennessee, regardless of the individual's formal state of residency. (b) The board of regents, the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, and each state university board of trustees may classify a veteran or military-affiliated individual as a Tennessee resident who is not required to pay out-of-state tuition or an out-of-state fee if the veteran or military-affiliated individual is: (1) Enrolled in the public institution of higher education; and (2) Resides outside the state of Tennessee. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 791, s 2, eff. 4/8/2022. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 31, s 3, eff. 3/29/2017. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, s 3, eff. 4/20/2015.
(a) A veteran or other individual eligible to receive educational benefits administered by the United States department of veterans affairs, through any provision of the United States Code, shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition or any out-of-state fee when the veteran or other individual is: (1) Enrolled in any public institution of higher education in this state; (2) Utilizing such benefits at the enrolling institution; and (3) Living in the state of Tennessee, regardless of the individual's formal state of residency.
(1) Enrolled in any public institution of higher education in this state;
(2) Utilizing such benefits at the enrolling institution; and
(3) Living in the state of Tennessee, regardless of the individual's formal state of residency.
(b) The board of regents, the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, and each state university board of trustees may classify a veteran or military-affiliated individual as a Tennessee resident who is not required to pay out-of-state tuition or an out-of-state fee if the veteran or military-affiliated individual is: (1) Enrolled in the public institution of higher education; and (2) Resides outside the state of Tennessee.
(1) Enrolled in the public institution of higher education; and
(2) Resides outside the state of Tennessee.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 791, s 2, eff. 4/8/2022.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 31, s 3, eff. 3/29/2017.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, s 3, eff. 4/20/2015.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-406 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-406
Use of funds
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any provision of this part or any other law to the contrary, any LEA may use any funds received under the "Drug Free Tennessee" program in a sum sufficient to implement the drug abuse resistance program developed and established by this part. Acts 1989, ch. 322, § 7.
Notwithstanding any provision of this part or any other law to the contrary, any LEA may use any funds received under the "Drug Free Tennessee" program in a sum sufficient to implement the drug abuse resistance program developed and established by this part.
Acts 1989, ch. 322, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-303 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-303
School counselors
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Each LEA shall employ or contract with school counselors for pre-kindergarten through grade twelve (pre-K-12). (2) The school counseling program shall be established and operated under guidelines adopted by the state board of education. (3) The state board of education shall report on the implementation and effectiveness of the program in its annual report to the general assembly. (b) School counselors shall provide preventive and developmental counseling to school students in order to prepare them for their school responsibilities and their social and physical development. In providing these services, school counselors shall: (1) Aid children in academic development through the use and interpretation of test scores, improved pupil self-concept and early identification and attention to problems that are deterrents to learning and development; (2) Act in a consultative role to teachers relative to the use of test scores and improvement of the learning environment, use of out-of-school resources and agencies and development of a home-school liaison; (3) Offer services related to the identification and placement of children with handicapping conditions; (4) Serve in a consultative role to parents, in a liaison capacity, as a resource in understanding growth and development problems and as an aid in understanding how some nonschool factors affect learning and achievement of children; (5) Serve as a resource in decreasing discipline problems through an understanding of peer relations, teacher-pupil relations, social awareness and drug awareness; (6) Aid in improving school attendance and retention by implementing an early identification and prevention program for potential attendance and retention problems; (7) Serve as a resource in decreasing the incidence of juvenile delinquency by early intervention through guidance and counseling services; (8) Act as a resource and consultant to teachers in implementing a career development program that, at the elementary school level, includes self-awareness, job awareness and prevocational orientation; (9) Provide an available source for youngsters needing someone to just listen to their problems or concerns; and (10) Serve as a resource and consultant to teachers in implementing an intervention program that utilizes conflict resolution and decision-making strategies aimed at preventing occurrences of disruptive acts by students within the school and on school property. (c) The minimum requirement to be employed as a school counselor shall be an appropriate license granted by the state board of education. (d) The school counselor may refer or help facilitate a referral of a parent or legal guardian's student to a counselor or therapist for mental health assessments or services. If a school counselor refers a student to a counselor or other mental health provider, neither the LEA nor the school counselor shall bear the cost of such services provided to the student. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 18,s 1, eff. 7/1/2017. Acts 1985, ch. 472, § 1; 1999, ch. 256, § 1; 1999, ch. 367, § 3; 1999, ch. 372, §§ 1 - 5.
(a) (1) Each LEA shall employ or contract with school counselors for pre-kindergarten through grade twelve (pre-K-12). (2) The school counseling program shall be established and operated under guidelines adopted by the state board of education. (3) The state board of education shall report on the implementation and effectiveness of the program in its annual report to the general assembly.
(1) Each LEA shall employ or contract with school counselors for pre-kindergarten through grade twelve (pre-K-12).
(2) The school counseling program shall be established and operated under guidelines adopted by the state board of education.
(3) The state board of education shall report on the implementation and effectiveness of the program in its annual report to the general assembly.
(b) School counselors shall provide preventive and developmental counseling to school students in order to prepare them for their school responsibilities and their social and physical development. In providing these services, school counselors shall: (1) Aid children in academic development through the use and interpretation of test scores, improved pupil self-concept and early identification and attention to problems that are deterrents to learning and development; (2) Act in a consultative role to teachers relative to the use of test scores and improvement of the learning environment, use of out-of-school resources and agencies and development of a home-school liaison; (3) Offer services related to the identification and placement of children with handicapping conditions; (4) Serve in a consultative role to parents, in a liaison capacity, as a resource in understanding growth and development problems and as an aid in understanding how some nonschool factors affect learning and achievement of children; (5) Serve as a resource in decreasing discipline problems through an understanding of peer relations, teacher-pupil relations, social awareness and drug awareness; (6) Aid in improving school attendance and retention by implementing an early identification and prevention program for potential attendance and retention problems; (7) Serve as a resource in decreasing the incidence of juvenile delinquency by early intervention through guidance and counseling services; (8) Act as a resource and consultant to teachers in implementing a career development program that, at the elementary school level, includes self-awareness, job awareness and prevocational orientation; (9) Provide an available source for youngsters needing someone to just listen to their problems or concerns; and (10) Serve as a resource and consultant to teachers in implementing an intervention program that utilizes conflict resolution and decision-making strategies aimed at preventing occurrences of disruptive acts by students within the school and on school property.
(1) Aid children in academic development through the use and interpretation of test scores, improved pupil self-concept and early identification and attention to problems that are deterrents to learning and development;
(2) Act in a consultative role to teachers relative to the use of test scores and improvement of the learning environment, use of out-of-school resources and agencies and development of a home-school liaison;
(3) Offer services related to the identification and placement of children with handicapping conditions;
(4) Serve in a consultative role to parents, in a liaison capacity, as a resource in understanding growth and development problems and as an aid in understanding how some nonschool factors affect learning and achievement of children;
(5) Serve as a resource in decreasing discipline problems through an understanding of peer relations, teacher-pupil relations, social awareness and drug awareness;
(6) Aid in improving school attendance and retention by implementing an early identification and prevention program for potential attendance and retention problems;
(7) Serve as a resource in decreasing the incidence of juvenile delinquency by early intervention through guidance and counseling services;
(8) Act as a resource and consultant to teachers in implementing a career development program that, at the elementary school level, includes self-awareness, job awareness and prevocational orientation;
(9) Provide an available source for youngsters needing someone to just listen to their problems or concerns; and
(10) Serve as a resource and consultant to teachers in implementing an intervention program that utilizes conflict resolution and decision-making strategies aimed at preventing occurrences of disruptive acts by students within the school and on school property.
(c) The minimum requirement to be employed as a school counselor shall be an appropriate license granted by the state board of education.
(d) The school counselor may refer or help facilitate a referral of a parent or legal guardian's student to a counselor or therapist for mental health assessments or services. If a school counselor refers a student to a counselor or other mental health provider, neither the LEA nor the school counselor shall bear the cost of such services provided to the student.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 18,s 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
Acts 1985, ch. 472, § 1; 1999, ch. 256, § 1; 1999, ch. 367, § 3; 1999, ch. 372, §§ 1 - 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-1101 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-1101
General provisions
Status: in_force

(a) There is created and established by the state a campus of the University of Tennessee in Giles County, to be known as the University of Tennessee Southern. (b) The trustees of the University of Tennessee are given the same power, authority, and discretion to take all actions necessary, proper, or convenient for the accomplishment of the University of Tennessee's mission at the University of Tennessee Southern as the trustees now have and exercise at the other colleges and schools of the University of Tennessee, including, but not limited to, the power, authority, and discretion to prescribe and offer courses, curricula, and degree programs; acquire land and construct buildings; inaugurate and carry out all necessary supporting work and activities; and award degrees of the University of Tennessee. Acts 2022, ch. 648, § 1.
(a) There is created and established by the state a campus of the University of Tennessee in Giles County, to be known as the University of Tennessee Southern.
(b) The trustees of the University of Tennessee are given the same power, authority, and discretion to take all actions necessary, proper, or convenient for the accomplishment of the University of Tennessee's mission at the University of Tennessee Southern as the trustees now have and exercise at the other colleges and schools of the University of Tennessee, including, but not limited to, the power, authority, and discretion to prescribe and offer courses, curricula, and degree programs; acquire land and construct buildings; inaugurate and carry out all necessary supporting work and activities; and award degrees of the University of Tennessee.
Acts 2022, ch. 648, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-11-708 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 49-11-708
Personnel
Status: in_force

In order to carry out the purposes and functions of the community-based vocational rehabilitation services program, the department is authorized, with the approval of the appropriate state officials, to establish the appropriate positions and employ the personnel necessary to administer the program effectively and efficiently. Acts 1965, ch. 332, § 9; T.C.A., § 49-2824; Acts 2001, ch. 174, § 11.
In order to carry out the purposes and functions of the community-based vocational rehabilitation services program, the department is authorized, with the approval of the appropriate state officials, to establish the appropriate positions and employ the personnel necessary to administer the program effectively and efficiently.
Acts 1965, ch. 332, § 9; T.C.A., § 49-2824; Acts 2001, ch. 174, § 11.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-905 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-905
Deficiencies in contributions
Status: in_force

Any teacher who has not contributed to the minimum amount may make up the deficiency by a cash payment in full with principal and interest or by having it deducted in equal amounts from the annuity installments. Acts 1917, ch. 76, § 6; Shan., § 1469b6 (p. 6544); Shan. Supp., § 1469a6; Code 1932, § 2530; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1605.
Any teacher who has not contributed to the minimum amount may make up the deficiency by a cash payment in full with principal and interest or by having it deducted in equal amounts from the annuity installments.
Acts 1917, ch. 76, § 6; Shan., § 1469b6 (p. 6544); Shan. Supp., § 1469a6; Code 1932, § 2530; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1605.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-1703 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-1703
Obtaining minor's birth certificate and state-issued identification card for homeless child
Status: in_force

A minor may obtain a copy of the minor's birth certificate from the department of health and a state-issued identification card from the department of safety; provided, that the minor has been verified as a homeless child or youth by at least one (1) of the following: (1) A director or designee of a governmental or nonprofit agency that receives public or private funding to provide services to homeless people; (2) An LEA liaison for homeless children or youth designated pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii) , or a school social worker or counselor; (3) The director of a federal TRIO program or Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs program, or the director's designee; or (4) A financial aid administrator. Added by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1020,s 2, eff. 7/1/2018.
A minor may obtain a copy of the minor's birth certificate from the department of health and a state-issued identification card from the department of safety; provided, that the minor has been verified as a homeless child or youth by at least one (1) of the following:
(1) A director or designee of a governmental or nonprofit agency that receives public or private funding to provide services to homeless people;
(2) An LEA liaison for homeless children or youth designated pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii) , or a school social worker or counselor;
(3) The director of a federal TRIO program or Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs program, or the director's designee; or
(4) A financial aid administrator.
Added by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1020,s 2, eff. 7/1/2018.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1004 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1004
Period of silence or prayer
Status: in_force

(a) In order for all students and teachers to prepare themselves for the activities of the day, a period of silence of approximately one (1) minute in duration shall be maintained in each grade in public schools at the beginning of each school day. At the opening of the first class each day, it is the responsibility of each teacher in charge of each class to call the students to order and announce that a moment of silence is to be observed. The teacher shall not indicate or suggest to the students any action to be taken by them during this time, but shall maintain silence for the full time. At the end of this time, the teacher shall indicate resumption of the class in an appropriate fashion, and may at that time make school announcements or conduct any other class business before commencing instruction. (b) It is lawful for any teacher in any of the schools of the state that are supported, in whole or in part, by the public funds of the state, to permit the voluntary participation by students or others in prayer. Nothing contained in this section shall authorize any teacher or other school authority to prescribe the form or content of any prayer. (c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), nonsectarian and nonproselytizing voluntary benedictions, invocations or prayers that are initiated and given by a student volunteer or student volunteers may be permitted on public school property during school-related noncompulsory student assemblies, school-related student sporting events and school-related commencement ceremonies. Such permission shall not be construed to indicate any support, approval or sanction by the state or any governmental personnel or official of the contents of the benedictions, invocations or prayers or to be the promotion or establishment of any religion, religious belief or sect. Acts 1968, ch. 492, § 1; 1976, ch. 463, § 1; 1982, ch. 899, § 1; 1983, ch. 18, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-1922, 49-1923; Acts 1993, ch. 534, § 1.
(a) In order for all students and teachers to prepare themselves for the activities of the day, a period of silence of approximately one (1) minute in duration shall be maintained in each grade in public schools at the beginning of each school day. At the opening of the first class each day, it is the responsibility of each teacher in charge of each class to call the students to order and announce that a moment of silence is to be observed. The teacher shall not indicate or suggest to the students any action to be taken by them during this time, but shall maintain silence for the full time. At the end of this time, the teacher shall indicate resumption of the class in an appropriate fashion, and may at that time make school announcements or conduct any other class business before commencing instruction.
(b) It is lawful for any teacher in any of the schools of the state that are supported, in whole or in part, by the public funds of the state, to permit the voluntary participation by students or others in prayer. Nothing contained in this section shall authorize any teacher or other school authority to prescribe the form or content of any prayer.
(c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), nonsectarian and nonproselytizing voluntary benedictions, invocations or prayers that are initiated and given by a student volunteer or student volunteers may be permitted on public school property during school-related noncompulsory student assemblies, school-related student sporting events and school-related commencement ceremonies. Such permission shall not be construed to indicate any support, approval or sanction by the state or any governmental personnel or official of the contents of the benedictions, invocations or prayers or to be the promotion or establishment of any religion, religious belief or sect.
Acts 1968, ch. 492, § 1; 1976, ch. 463, § 1; 1982, ch. 899, § 1; 1983, ch. 18, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-1922, 49-1923; Acts 1993, ch. 534, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-408 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-408
Teachers - Contracts
Status: in_force

All teachers shall make a written contract with the director of schools or board of education at a fixed salary per month before entering upon the teachers' duties. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248,s 41, eff. 5/2/2019. Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 8; Shan. Supp., § 1487a51; Code 1932, § 2340; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1305; Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 24.
All teachers shall make a written contract with the director of schools or board of education at a fixed salary per month before entering upon the teachers' duties.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248,s 41, eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 8; Shan. Supp., § 1487a51; Code 1932, § 2340; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1305; Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 24.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-183 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-183
Postsecondary institutions - Limitations on accessing social media apps based in the People's Republic of China
Status: in_force

(a) A public postsecondary institution that provides internet access to students, faculty, staff, or the general public shall not allow an individual to access a social media platform using the institution's network if the platform is operated or hosted by a company based in the People's Republic of China. This section applies to internet services provided by an institution through a hard-wired or wireless network connection. (b) This section does not apply to institutions or employees of such institutions if downloading, accessing, or using such a social media platform is necessary to perform: (1) Law enforcement activities; (2) Investigatory functions to carry out official duties for bona fide law enforcement, investigative, or public safety purposes; or (3) Audit, compliance, or legal functions of the institution. Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 152, s 1, eff. 4/13/2023.
(a) A public postsecondary institution that provides internet access to students, faculty, staff, or the general public shall not allow an individual to access a social media platform using the institution's network if the platform is operated or hosted by a company based in the People's Republic of China. This section applies to internet services provided by an institution through a hard-wired or wireless network connection.
(b) This section does not apply to institutions or employees of such institutions if downloading, accessing, or using such a social media platform is necessary to perform: (1) Law enforcement activities; (2) Investigatory functions to carry out official duties for bona fide law enforcement, investigative, or public safety purposes; or (3) Audit, compliance, or legal functions of the institution.
(1) Law enforcement activities;
(2) Investigatory functions to carry out official duties for bona fide law enforcement, investigative, or public safety purposes; or
(3) Audit, compliance, or legal functions of the institution.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 152, s 1, eff. 4/13/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-17-106 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 17 / Section 49-17-106
Energy efficient schools council fund
Status: in_force

(a) An energy efficient schools council fund shall be established as a separate account in the state treasury. Amounts remaining in the fund at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund. Moneys in the energy efficient schools council fund shall be invested by the state treasurer pursuant to title 9, chapter 4, part 6, for the sole benefit of that fund. (b) Funding for the account described in subsection (a) shall be subject to appropriations in the general appropriations act; provided, that this does not limit the ability to raise additional funding as described in § 49-17-103 . (c) All costs of administering the energy efficient schools initiative shall be funded from the energy efficient schools council fund as part of the program. Acts 2008 , ch. 1188, § 7.
(a) An energy efficient schools council fund shall be established as a separate account in the state treasury. Amounts remaining in the fund at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund. Moneys in the energy efficient schools council fund shall be invested by the state treasurer pursuant to title 9, chapter 4, part 6, for the sole benefit of that fund.
(b) Funding for the account described in subsection (a) shall be subject to appropriations in the general appropriations act; provided, that this does not limit the ability to raise additional funding as described in § 49-17-103 .
(c) All costs of administering the energy efficient schools initiative shall be funded from the energy efficient schools council fund as part of the program.
Acts 2008 , ch. 1188, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-1201 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 49-10-1201
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Acts 1992, ch. 772, § 1; repealed by Acts 2018 , ch. 725, § 56, effective April 18, 2018.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-502 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-502
Advisory board meetings
Status: in_force

(a) Each advisory board of the University of Tennessee established pursuant to § 49-9-501 shall hold at least three (3) meetings annually on a day or days determined by the board from year to year. (b) Four (4) members shall constitute a quorum, and they are empowered to transact any business. (c) Each advisory board shall adopt bylaws to govern its meetings, subject to approval by the board of trustees. (d) The governor shall call the initial meeting of each advisory board to occur on or after July 1, 2018. (e) The failure of a member to attend more than fifty percent (50%) of the regular meetings in a calendar year is cause for the member's removal and authorizes the board to call on the governor to appoint a successor. (f) Advisory board members shall be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter. Added by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 657, s 12, eff. 4/6/2018.
(a) Each advisory board of the University of Tennessee established pursuant to § 49-9-501 shall hold at least three (3) meetings annually on a day or days determined by the board from year to year.
(b) Four (4) members shall constitute a quorum, and they are empowered to transact any business.
(c) Each advisory board shall adopt bylaws to govern its meetings, subject to approval by the board of trustees.
(d) The governor shall call the initial meeting of each advisory board to occur on or after July 1, 2018.
(e) The failure of a member to attend more than fifty percent (50%) of the regular meetings in a calendar year is cause for the member's removal and authorizes the board to call on the governor to appoint a successor.
(f) Advisory board members shall be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.
Added by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 657, s 12, eff. 4/6/2018.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-907 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-907
Evaluation of program
Status: in_force

After each sale and issue of college savings bonds pursuant to this part, the appropriate issuer shall report to the general assembly an evaluation of the sale of the college savings bonds and recommendations, if any, for improvements in the program. Acts 1989, ch. 190, § 8.
After each sale and issue of college savings bonds pursuant to this part, the appropriate issuer shall report to the general assembly an evaluation of the sale of the college savings bonds and recommendations, if any, for improvements in the program.
Acts 1989, ch. 190, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-14-101 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 14 / Section 49-14-101
Short title
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Higher Education Accountability Act of 2004." Acts 2004, ch. 904, § 1.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Higher Education Accountability Act of 2004."
Acts 2004, ch. 904, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-1508 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-1508
Requiring personal attendance of custodian - Costs
Status: in_force

(a) Where the personal attendance of the custodian is required, the subpoena duces tecum shall contain a clause that reads: "The procedure authorized pursuant to § 49-50-1503 will not be deemed sufficient compliance with this subpoena." (b) Where both the personal attendance of the custodian and the production of the original record are required, the subpoena duces tecum shall contain a clause that reads: "Original records are required, and the procedure authorized pursuant to § 49-50-1503 will not be deemed sufficient compliance with this subpoena." (c) Where the personal attendance of the custodian is required, the reasonable cost of attendance and producing the records shall be taxed as costs of court. Acts 2002, ch. 621, § 9.
(a) Where the personal attendance of the custodian is required, the subpoena duces tecum shall contain a clause that reads: "The procedure authorized pursuant to § 49-50-1503 will not be deemed sufficient compliance with this subpoena."
(b) Where both the personal attendance of the custodian and the production of the original record are required, the subpoena duces tecum shall contain a clause that reads: "Original records are required, and the procedure authorized pursuant to § 49-50-1503 will not be deemed sufficient compliance with this subpoena."
(c) Where the personal attendance of the custodian is required, the reasonable cost of attendance and producing the records shall be taxed as costs of court.
Acts 2002, ch. 621, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-510 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-510
Transfers within system
Status: in_force

The director of schools, when necessary to the efficient operation of the school system, may transfer a teacher from one location to another within the school system, or from one type of work to another for which the teacher is qualified and licensed; provided, that transfers shall be acted upon in accordance with board policy. Acts 1951, ch. 76, § 10 (Williams, § 2345.10); Acts 1957, ch. 202, § 1; 1965, ch. 196, § 1; 1969, ch. 286, § 1; 1970, ch. 480, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1411; Acts 1987, ch. 308, § 27; 1992, ch. 535, § 15; 1998, ch. 826, § 2; 2011, ch. 378, § 2.
The director of schools, when necessary to the efficient operation of the school system, may transfer a teacher from one location to another within the school system, or from one type of work to another for which the teacher is qualified and licensed; provided, that transfers shall be acted upon in accordance with board policy.
Acts 1951, ch. 76, § 10 (Williams, § 2345.10); Acts 1957, ch. 202, § 1; 1965, ch. 196, § 1; 1969, ch. 286, § 1; 1970, ch. 480, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1411; Acts 1987, ch. 308, § 27; 1992, ch. 535, § 15; 1998, ch. 826, § 2; 2011, ch. 378, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-105 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-105
Campus traffic control
Status: in_force

(a) A municipal corporation in which a state college or university is located is authorized to prescribe and enforce traffic ordinances on the campus of the institution. (b) A municipal corporation shall not begin to prescribe and enforce traffic ordinances on the campus of the state institution within its borders until thirty (30) days after the date on which the state university and community college system, for a state college or university under its control, or the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, for the University of Tennessee, requests the governing body of the municipal corporation to begin to prescribe and enforce traffic ordinances on the campus of the state institution. (c) The municipal corporation shall cease to prescribe and enforce traffic ordinances on the campus of the state institution within thirty (30) days after the date upon which the state university and community college system, for the state colleges and universities under its control, or the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, for the University of Tennessee, requests the governing body of the municipal corporation to cease prescribing and enforcing traffic ordinances on the campus of the state institution. (d) Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing a municipal corporation from enforcing traffic ordinances on its streets within the campus. Acts 1959, ch. 119, § 1; 1973, ch. 144, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-3225.
(a) A municipal corporation in which a state college or university is located is authorized to prescribe and enforce traffic ordinances on the campus of the institution.
(b) A municipal corporation shall not begin to prescribe and enforce traffic ordinances on the campus of the state institution within its borders until thirty (30) days after the date on which the state university and community college system, for a state college or university under its control, or the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, for the University of Tennessee, requests the governing body of the municipal corporation to begin to prescribe and enforce traffic ordinances on the campus of the state institution.
(c) The municipal corporation shall cease to prescribe and enforce traffic ordinances on the campus of the state institution within thirty (30) days after the date upon which the state university and community college system, for the state colleges and universities under its control, or the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, for the University of Tennessee, requests the governing body of the municipal corporation to cease prescribing and enforcing traffic ordinances on the campus of the state institution.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing a municipal corporation from enforcing traffic ordinances on its streets within the campus.
Acts 1959, ch. 119, § 1; 1973, ch. 144, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-3225.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-1212 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-1212
Exclusive power of authority to issue bonds for school credit bond project
Status: in_force

The authority shall have power and is authorized to issue its negotiable bonds for a school credit bond project, as such term is defined in § 49-3-1202 . Bonds for school credit bond projects may be issued only by the authority. Acts 2009 , ch. 601, § 11.
The authority shall have power and is authorized to issue its negotiable bonds for a school credit bond project, as such term is defined in § 49-3-1202 . Bonds for school credit bond projects may be issued only by the authority.
Acts 2009 , ch. 601, § 11.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-907 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-907
Eligibility requirements for HOPE scholarship
Status: in_force

To be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship as an entering freshman, a student who graduated from an eligible high school after December 1, 2003, upon having completed curriculum requirements of the high school for graduation, shall: (1) Meet the requirements of §§ 49-4-904 and 49-4-905 ; (2) Be admitted to and enroll in an eligible postsecondary institution no later than sixteen (16) months after graduation from high school; and (3) (A) Achieve a final overall high school grade point average of at least 3.0; or (B) Attain a composite ACT score of at least 21 on any single ACT test date or a concordant equivalent score on the SAT on any single SAT test date. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 32, eff. 8/1/2020. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 328, s 1, eff. 5/9/2017. Acts 2003 , ch. 298, § 1; 2004, ch. 840, §§ 6, 7, 11a, 19, 20; 2004, ch. 881, §§ 1, 2; 2005, ch. 481, §§ 2, 5, 6.
To be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship as an entering freshman, a student who graduated from an eligible high school after December 1, 2003, upon having completed curriculum requirements of the high school for graduation, shall:
(1) Meet the requirements of §§ 49-4-904 and 49-4-905 ;
(2) Be admitted to and enroll in an eligible postsecondary institution no later than sixteen (16) months after graduation from high school; and
(3) (A) Achieve a final overall high school grade point average of at least 3.0; or (B) Attain a composite ACT score of at least 21 on any single ACT test date or a concordant equivalent score on the SAT on any single SAT test date.
(A) Achieve a final overall high school grade point average of at least 3.0; or
(B) Attain a composite ACT score of at least 21 on any single ACT test date or a concordant equivalent score on the SAT on any single SAT test date.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 32, eff. 8/1/2020.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 328, s 1, eff. 5/9/2017.
Acts 2003 , ch. 298, § 1; 2004, ch. 840, §§ 6, 7, 11a, 19, 20; 2004, ch. 881, §§ 1, 2; 2005, ch. 481, §§ 2, 5, 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-14-104 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 14 / Section 49-14-104
Reports - Legislative intent
Status: in_force

The governing boards of all public institutions of higher education shall establish a policy requiring that annual reports detailing expenditures made by, at the direction of, or for the benefit of a system head or chief executive of an institution are to be filed with their respective boards. It is the legislative intent that the policy require the report of discretionary expenditures, which shall include, but not be limited to, unrestricted gifts, foundation funds, athletic funds, sponsorship fees, licenses and royalty funds, and other such funds that would not be included in the operating budget for the system head's or chief executive's office. System heads or chief executives shall not have the authority to grant themselves an exception to fiscal, spending, or travel policies established by their boards or by statute. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 28, s 8, eff. 3/29/2017. Acts 2004, ch. 904, §4; 2010 , ch. 891, § 2.
The governing boards of all public institutions of higher education shall establish a policy requiring that annual reports detailing expenditures made by, at the direction of, or for the benefit of a system head or chief executive of an institution are to be filed with their respective boards. It is the legislative intent that the policy require the report of discretionary expenditures, which shall include, but not be limited to, unrestricted gifts, foundation funds, athletic funds, sponsorship fees, licenses and royalty funds, and other such funds that would not be included in the operating budget for the system head's or chief executive's office. System heads or chief executives shall not have the authority to grant themselves an exception to fiscal, spending, or travel policies established by their boards or by statute.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 28, s 8, eff. 3/29/2017.
Acts 2004, ch. 904, §4; 2010 , ch. 891, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-5620 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-5620
Annual meeting of educator preparation providers - Alignment of instruction provided to candidates with literacy standards
Status: in_force

(a) The department of education, in coordination with the Tennessee higher education commission, shall annually convene a meeting of all approved educator preparation providers responsible for managing, operating, or coordinating programs for the preparation and licensure of teachers, school leaders, and other school personnel. The department shall invite LEAs and public charter schools to participate. (b) The purpose of the meeting is to ensure that the instruction provided to candidates enrolled in an approved educator preparation provider that is aligned with the foundational literacy skills standards established pursuant to § 49-5-5619 is implemented cohesively and in coordination with the foundational literacy skills instruction provided to students pursuant to chapter 1, part 9 of this title and with all other applicable literacy standards approved by the state board. (c) During the meeting, participants shall review: (1) High-quality instructional materials adopted by approved educator preparation providers; and (2) Modules and any other products developed to support statewide implementation of foundational literacy skills standards and instruction. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 974, s 4, eff. 5/3/2022.
(a) The department of education, in coordination with the Tennessee higher education commission, shall annually convene a meeting of all approved educator preparation providers responsible for managing, operating, or coordinating programs for the preparation and licensure of teachers, school leaders, and other school personnel. The department shall invite LEAs and public charter schools to participate.
(b) The purpose of the meeting is to ensure that the instruction provided to candidates enrolled in an approved educator preparation provider that is aligned with the foundational literacy skills standards established pursuant to § 49-5-5619 is implemented cohesively and in coordination with the foundational literacy skills instruction provided to students pursuant to chapter 1, part 9 of this title and with all other applicable literacy standards approved by the state board.
(c) During the meeting, participants shall review: (1) High-quality instructional materials adopted by approved educator preparation providers; and (2) Modules and any other products developed to support statewide implementation of foundational literacy skills standards and instruction.
(1) High-quality instructional materials adopted by approved educator preparation providers; and
(2) Modules and any other products developed to support statewide implementation of foundational literacy skills standards and instruction.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 974, s 4, eff. 5/3/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-170 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-170
[Repealed effective 7/1/2026] Confidentiality of records maintained by intercollegiate athletics program
Status: repealed

(a) Notwithstanding § 10-7-504 or any other law to the contrary, records maintained by an intercollegiate athletics program of a public institution of higher education must be treated as confidential and must not be open for public inspection if the records contain information relating to game or player integrity and that is traditionally not revealed publicly due to the public institution of higher education's need to maintain competitiveness in the sport to which the records relate. (b) As used in this section, "information relating to game or player integrity and that is traditionally not revealed publicly due to the public institution of higher education's need to maintain competitiveness in the sport to which the records relate" includes, but is not limited to, plays or playbooks; signals; plans, techniques, philosophies, strategies, systems, drills, or schemes for practices, games, or other team activities; recordings of practices, games, or other team activities; assessments of a participant including a player, recruit, game official, or opposing coach; information related to nutrition, medical care, physical therapy, recovery, strength-training, conditioning, or a player's likelihood of participating in a sport or athletic competition; and other information which, if disclosed to the public, reasonably could be used to affect the integrity of a sport, athletic contest, a participant in a sport or athletic contest, or a bet or wager on a sport or athletic contest. (c) This section does not limit access to records: (1) Of a law enforcement agency, court, or other governmental agency that is performing an official function; (2) That relate to a court's or governmental agency's determination that an individual or a public institution of higher education violated a law; or (3) That relate to a notice of an allegation by, or a determination of, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) that an individual or institution violated a NCAA rule, including, but not limited to, a warning, reprimand, fine, suspension, termination, or other similar action, imposed by a public institution of higher education or the NCAA. (d) This section does not prohibit a coach or other employee of a public institution of higher education from releasing information related to a player's injury, a player's or team's readiness to participate in a competition, or any other observation or strategy if the release of information is part of the traditional and regular communication that a coach or other employee of a public institution of higher education voluntarily releases to inform the public. (e) Notwithstanding subsection (a), records, or parts of records, that are confidential pursuant to this section must be released to the public upon a request made in accordance with § 10-7-503 when the public's interest in the content of the records outweighs the interest of game or player integrity or the need to maintain competitiveness in the sport to which the records relate, or when game or player integrity or the need to maintain competitiveness in a sport are no longer relevant due to the passage of time. For purposes of this subsection (e), "public interest" includes, but is not limited to, accountability of the public institution of higher education, public officials, or employees of the public institution of higher education. This subsection (e) does not apply to records otherwise confidential under state or federal law. (f) This section is repealed on July 1, 2026. Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 77, eff. 5/2/2019.
(a) Notwithstanding § 10-7-504 or any other law to the contrary, records maintained by an intercollegiate athletics program of a public institution of higher education must be treated as confidential and must not be open for public inspection if the records contain information relating to game or player integrity and that is traditionally not revealed publicly due to the public institution of higher education's need to maintain competitiveness in the sport to which the records relate.
(b) As used in this section, "information relating to game or player integrity and that is traditionally not revealed publicly due to the public institution of higher education's need to maintain competitiveness in the sport to which the records relate" includes, but is not limited to, plays or playbooks; signals; plans, techniques, philosophies, strategies, systems, drills, or schemes for practices, games, or other team activities; recordings of practices, games, or other team activities; assessments of a participant including a player, recruit, game official, or opposing coach; information related to nutrition, medical care, physical therapy, recovery, strength-training, conditioning, or a player's likelihood of participating in a sport or athletic competition; and other information which, if disclosed to the public, reasonably could be used to affect the integrity of a sport, athletic contest, a participant in a sport or athletic contest, or a bet or wager on a sport or athletic contest.
(c) This section does not limit access to records: (1) Of a law enforcement agency, court, or other governmental agency that is performing an official function; (2) That relate to a court's or governmental agency's determination that an individual or a public institution of higher education violated a law; or (3) That relate to a notice of an allegation by, or a determination of, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) that an individual or institution violated a NCAA rule, including, but not limited to, a warning, reprimand, fine, suspension, termination, or other similar action, imposed by a public institution of higher education or the NCAA.
(1) Of a law enforcement agency, court, or other governmental agency that is performing an official function;
(2) That relate to a court's or governmental agency's determination that an individual or a public institution of higher education violated a law; or
(3) That relate to a notice of an allegation by, or a determination of, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) that an individual or institution violated a NCAA rule, including, but not limited to, a warning, reprimand, fine, suspension, termination, or other similar action, imposed by a public institution of higher education or the NCAA.
(d) This section does not prohibit a coach or other employee of a public institution of higher education from releasing information related to a player's injury, a player's or team's readiness to participate in a competition, or any other observation or strategy if the release of information is part of the traditional and regular communication that a coach or other employee of a public institution of higher education voluntarily releases to inform the public.
(e) Notwithstanding subsection (a), records, or parts of records, that are confidential pursuant to this section must be released to the public upon a request made in accordance with § 10-7-503 when the public's interest in the content of the records outweighs the interest of game or player integrity or the need to maintain competitiveness in the sport to which the records relate, or when game or player integrity or the need to maintain competitiveness in a sport are no longer relevant due to the passage of time. For purposes of this subsection (e), "public interest" includes, but is not limited to, accountability of the public institution of higher education, public officials, or employees of the public institution of higher education. This subsection (e) does not apply to records otherwise confidential under state or federal law.
(f) This section is repealed on July 1, 2026.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 77, eff. 5/2/2019.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-301 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-301
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023. Acts 1977, ch. 289, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-623.
Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 1977, ch. 289, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-623.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-801 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-801
Short title
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Senator Ben Atchley Opportunity Grant Act." Acts 1993, ch. 486, § 2; 2004, ch. 718, § 1.
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Senator Ben Atchley Opportunity Grant Act."
Acts 1993, ch. 486, § 2; 2004, ch. 718, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-411 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-411
Teachers - Resignations - Breach of contract
Status: in_force

(a) The conditions under which it is permissible to break a contract with a local board of education are as follows: (1) The incapacity on the part of the teacher to perform the contract as evidenced by the certified statement of a physician approved by the local board of education; (2) The drafting of a teacher into military service by a selective service board; and (3) The release, by written mutual consent, by the local board of education of the teacher from the contract that the teacher has entered into with the local board of education. (b) A teacher shall give the director of schools written notice of resignation at least thirty (30) days in advance of the effective date of the resignation. A teacher who breaks a contract with a local board of education without a justifiable reason as listed in this section shall be subject to the following penalty: (1) The local board of education, upon a motion recorded in its minutes, may file a complaint with the state board of education and request a suspension of the teacher's license; (2) The request shall be supported by facts documenting the charge that the teacher broke the contract contrary to this section; (3) The teacher shall receive a copy of the charges and facts at the same time they are filed with the state board of education; (4) If the state board of education finds that a teacher has broken the teacher's contract, then the state board may suspend the teacher's license for no less than thirty (30) days and no more than three hundred sixty-five (365) days; (5) The suspension of a license according to this section shall occur only after the state board of education has provided the teacher an opportunity for defense, in person or by counsel, against the charges during a full and complete hearing within thirty (30) days following the filing of the complaint; and (6) A license that has been suspended because of breach of contract shall have recorded on it the date the suspension was in effect and the cause for the suspension. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, s 21, eff. 5/25/2021. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, Secs.s 43, s 44, s 45, s 46 eff. 5/2/2019. Acts 1973, ch. 178, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-1317; Acts 1987, ch. 308, § 24.
(a) The conditions under which it is permissible to break a contract with a local board of education are as follows: (1) The incapacity on the part of the teacher to perform the contract as evidenced by the certified statement of a physician approved by the local board of education; (2) The drafting of a teacher into military service by a selective service board; and (3) The release, by written mutual consent, by the local board of education of the teacher from the contract that the teacher has entered into with the local board of education.
(1) The incapacity on the part of the teacher to perform the contract as evidenced by the certified statement of a physician approved by the local board of education;
(2) The drafting of a teacher into military service by a selective service board; and
(3) The release, by written mutual consent, by the local board of education of the teacher from the contract that the teacher has entered into with the local board of education.
(b) A teacher shall give the director of schools written notice of resignation at least thirty (30) days in advance of the effective date of the resignation. A teacher who breaks a contract with a local board of education without a justifiable reason as listed in this section shall be subject to the following penalty: (1) The local board of education, upon a motion recorded in its minutes, may file a complaint with the state board of education and request a suspension of the teacher's license; (2) The request shall be supported by facts documenting the charge that the teacher broke the contract contrary to this section; (3) The teacher shall receive a copy of the charges and facts at the same time they are filed with the state board of education; (4) If the state board of education finds that a teacher has broken the teacher's contract, then the state board may suspend the teacher's license for no less than thirty (30) days and no more than three hundred sixty-five (365) days; (5) The suspension of a license according to this section shall occur only after the state board of education has provided the teacher an opportunity for defense, in person or by counsel, against the charges during a full and complete hearing within thirty (30) days following the filing of the complaint; and (6) A license that has been suspended because of breach of contract shall have recorded on it the date the suspension was in effect and the cause for the suspension.
(1) The local board of education, upon a motion recorded in its minutes, may file a complaint with the state board of education and request a suspension of the teacher's license;
(2) The request shall be supported by facts documenting the charge that the teacher broke the contract contrary to this section;
(3) The teacher shall receive a copy of the charges and facts at the same time they are filed with the state board of education;
(4) If the state board of education finds that a teacher has broken the teacher's contract, then the state board may suspend the teacher's license for no less than thirty (30) days and no more than three hundred sixty-five (365) days;
(5) The suspension of a license according to this section shall occur only after the state board of education has provided the teacher an opportunity for defense, in person or by counsel, against the charges during a full and complete hearing within thirty (30) days following the filing of the complaint; and
(6) A license that has been suspended because of breach of contract shall have recorded on it the date the suspension was in effect and the cause for the suspension.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, s 21, eff. 5/25/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, Secs.s 43, s 44, s 45, s 46 eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 1973, ch. 178, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-1317; Acts 1987, ch. 308, § 24.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-5001 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-5001
General provisions
Status: in_force

(a) The commissioner of health is authorized to designate diseases against which children must be immunized prior to attendance at any school, nursery school, kindergarten, preschool or child care facility of this state. (b) (1) It is the responsibility of the parents or guardian of children to have their children immunized, as required by subsection (a). (2) Except as provided in subdivision (b)(3), in the absence of an epidemic or immediate threat of an epidemic, this section does not apply to any child whose parent or guardian files with school authorities a signed, written statement that the immunization and other preventive measures conflict with the parent's or guardian's religious tenets and practices, affirmed under the penalties of perjury. (3) This section does not apply to an immunization, vaccination, or injection for the SARS-CoV-2 virus or any variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. (c) (1) No children shall be permitted to attend any public school, nursery school, kindergarten, preschool or child care facility until proof of immunization is given the admissions officer of the school, nursery school, kindergarten, preschool or child care facility except as provided in subsection (b). (2) No child shall be denied admission to any school or school facility if the child has not been immunized due to medical reasons if the child has a written statement from the child's doctor excusing the child from the immunization. (3) No child or youth determined to be homeless shall be denied admission to any school or school facility if the child or youth has not yet been immunized or is unable to produce immunization records due to being homeless. The enrolling school shall comply with any and all federal laws pertaining to the educational rights of homeless children and youth, including the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq.). (d) Each child attending any school, nursery school, kindergarten, preschool or child care facility without furnishing proof of immunization or exception under subsection (b) or (e), shall not be counted in the average daily attendance of students for the distribution of state school funds. (e) Any immunization specified under this part shall not be required if a qualified physician certifies that administration of the immunization would be in any manner harmful to the child involved. (f) The commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out this section. (g) By October 1 of each year, the commissioner shall report the number of children in the state during the preceding school year who were determined to be homeless and who enrolled in public schools without being immunized or being able to produce immunization records and the average length of time required for these children to be immunized or to obtain their immunization records. The report shall be submitted to the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives. (h) Any communication provided to students or parents by any school, nursery school, kindergarten, preschool, or child care facility of this state regarding immunization requirements must include information on the grounds for exemption from the immunization requirement pursuant to subsections (c) and (e). The exemption information and immunization requirements must be: (1) Provided in the same font size and style; and (2) Located on the same page of the written or digital communication. (i) As used in this section, "school", "nursery school", "kindergarten", "preschool" or "child care facility" does not include a home school as defined in § 49-6-3050 . Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 296, s 2, eff. 4/28/2023. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 369, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 513, Secs.s 2, s 3 eff. 5/25/2021. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, s 12, eff. 5/25/2021. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 93, eff. 3/29/2021. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 108, eff. 5/10/2019. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 55, eff. 4/17/2015. Acts 1967, ch. 293, §§ 1-5; 1978, ch. 922, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., §§ 49-1765 -- 49-1769; Acts 1984, ch. 839, § 2; 1996, ch. 1079, § 183; 2006, ch. 756, § 2; 2007 , ch. 57, § 1.
(a) The commissioner of health is authorized to designate diseases against which children must be immunized prior to attendance at any school, nursery school, kindergarten, preschool or child care facility of this state.
(b) (1) It is the responsibility of the parents or guardian of children to have their children immunized, as required by subsection (a). (2) Except as provided in subdivision (b)(3), in the absence of an epidemic or immediate threat of an epidemic, this section does not apply to any child whose parent or guardian files with school authorities a signed, written statement that the immunization and other preventive measures conflict with the parent's or guardian's religious tenets and practices, affirmed under the penalties of perjury. (3) This section does not apply to an immunization, vaccination, or injection for the SARS-CoV-2 virus or any variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
(1) It is the responsibility of the parents or guardian of children to have their children immunized, as required by subsection (a).
(2) Except as provided in subdivision (b)(3), in the absence of an epidemic or immediate threat of an epidemic, this section does not apply to any child whose parent or guardian files with school authorities a signed, written statement that the immunization and other preventive measures conflict with the parent's or guardian's religious tenets and practices, affirmed under the penalties of perjury.
(3) This section does not apply to an immunization, vaccination, or injection for the SARS-CoV-2 virus or any variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
(c) (1) No children shall be permitted to attend any public school, nursery school, kindergarten, preschool or child care facility until proof of immunization is given the admissions officer of the school, nursery school, kindergarten, preschool or child care facility except as provided in subsection (b). (2) No child shall be denied admission to any school or school facility if the child has not been immunized due to medical reasons if the child has a written statement from the child's doctor excusing the child from the immunization. (3) No child or youth determined to be homeless shall be denied admission to any school or school facility if the child or youth has not yet been immunized or is unable to produce immunization records due to being homeless. The enrolling school shall comply with any and all federal laws pertaining to the educational rights of homeless children and youth, including the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq.).
(1) No children shall be permitted to attend any public school, nursery school, kindergarten, preschool or child care facility until proof of immunization is given the admissions officer of the school, nursery school, kindergarten, preschool or child care facility except as provided in subsection (b).
(2) No child shall be denied admission to any school or school facility if the child has not been immunized due to medical reasons if the child has a written statement from the child's doctor excusing the child from the immunization.
(3) No child or youth determined to be homeless shall be denied admission to any school or school facility if the child or youth has not yet been immunized or is unable to produce immunization records due to being homeless. The enrolling school shall comply with any and all federal laws pertaining to the educational rights of homeless children and youth, including the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq.).
(d) Each child attending any school, nursery school, kindergarten, preschool or child care facility without furnishing proof of immunization or exception under subsection (b) or (e), shall not be counted in the average daily attendance of students for the distribution of state school funds.
(e) Any immunization specified under this part shall not be required if a qualified physician certifies that administration of the immunization would be in any manner harmful to the child involved.
(f) The commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out this section.
(g) By October 1 of each year, the commissioner shall report the number of children in the state during the preceding school year who were determined to be homeless and who enrolled in public schools without being immunized or being able to produce immunization records and the average length of time required for these children to be immunized or to obtain their immunization records. The report shall be submitted to the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives.
(h) Any communication provided to students or parents by any school, nursery school, kindergarten, preschool, or child care facility of this state regarding immunization requirements must include information on the grounds for exemption from the immunization requirement pursuant to subsections (c) and (e). The exemption information and immunization requirements must be: (1) Provided in the same font size and style; and (2) Located on the same page of the written or digital communication.
(1) Provided in the same font size and style; and
(2) Located on the same page of the written or digital communication.
(i) As used in this section, "school", "nursery school", "kindergarten", "preschool" or "child care facility" does not include a home school as defined in § 49-6-3050 .
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 296, s 2, eff. 4/28/2023.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 369, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 513, Secs.s 2, s 3 eff. 5/25/2021.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, s 12, eff. 5/25/2021.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 93, eff. 3/29/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 108, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 55, eff. 4/17/2015.
Acts 1967, ch. 293, §§ 1-5; 1978, ch. 922, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., §§ 49-1765 -- 49-1769; Acts 1984, ch. 839, § 2; 1996, ch. 1079, § 183; 2006, ch. 756, § 2; 2007 , ch. 57, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-942 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-942
Eligibility for HOPE scholarship of Tennessee citizen who is dependent child of a headquarters staff employee working full time in foreign nation
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Dependent child" means a natural or adopted child or stepchild: (A) Whose parent is a headquarters staff employee; (B) Whose parent claims the child as a dependent for federal income tax purposes; (C) Who is under twenty-one (21) years of age; and (D) Who resides in another nation only while the parent is on full-time work assignment as a headquarters staff employee; (2) "Headquarters staff employee" has the same meaning as defined in § 67-6-224(b) ; and (3) "Qualified headquarters facility" has the same meaning as defined in § 67-6-224(b) . (b) Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, a student who is a Tennessee citizen and a dependent child of a headquarters staff employee who is on full-time work assignment in a foreign nation shall be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship as an entering freshman if the student meets all eligibility requirements for the scholarship, except that, while the parent is on full-time work assignment in another nation, the student does not reside in Tennessee immediately preceding the date of application for financial assistance and the student does not meet the requirements of § 49-4-905(b)(2) . To be eligible under this section, the student shall: (1) Graduate from a high school that is accredited by a regional accrediting association as defined in § 49-4-902 in the foreign nation where the student's parent is on work assignment and meet the academic eligibility requirements of § 49-4-907(3) ; or (2) Complete high school in a home school in the foreign nation where the student's parent is on work assignment and meet the eligibility requirements of § 49-4-908(a)(3) . (c) This section shall only apply to dependent children of headquarters staff employees who are on full-time work assignment in another nation for more than one (1) year and who were residents of this state before leaving the United States and intend to return to Tennessee upon completion of their assignment. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 68, eff. 8/1/2020. Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 428, s 1, eff. 5/16/2013.
(a) As used in this section: (1) "Dependent child" means a natural or adopted child or stepchild: (A) Whose parent is a headquarters staff employee; (B) Whose parent claims the child as a dependent for federal income tax purposes; (C) Who is under twenty-one (21) years of age; and (D) Who resides in another nation only while the parent is on full-time work assignment as a headquarters staff employee; (2) "Headquarters staff employee" has the same meaning as defined in § 67-6-224(b) ; and (3) "Qualified headquarters facility" has the same meaning as defined in § 67-6-224(b) .
(1) "Dependent child" means a natural or adopted child or stepchild: (A) Whose parent is a headquarters staff employee; (B) Whose parent claims the child as a dependent for federal income tax purposes; (C) Who is under twenty-one (21) years of age; and (D) Who resides in another nation only while the parent is on full-time work assignment as a headquarters staff employee;
(A) Whose parent is a headquarters staff employee;
(B) Whose parent claims the child as a dependent for federal income tax purposes;
(C) Who is under twenty-one (21) years of age; and
(D) Who resides in another nation only while the parent is on full-time work assignment as a headquarters staff employee;
(2) "Headquarters staff employee" has the same meaning as defined in § 67-6-224(b) ; and
(3) "Qualified headquarters facility" has the same meaning as defined in § 67-6-224(b) .
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, a student who is a Tennessee citizen and a dependent child of a headquarters staff employee who is on full-time work assignment in a foreign nation shall be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship as an entering freshman if the student meets all eligibility requirements for the scholarship, except that, while the parent is on full-time work assignment in another nation, the student does not reside in Tennessee immediately preceding the date of application for financial assistance and the student does not meet the requirements of § 49-4-905(b)(2) . To be eligible under this section, the student shall: (1) Graduate from a high school that is accredited by a regional accrediting association as defined in § 49-4-902 in the foreign nation where the student's parent is on work assignment and meet the academic eligibility requirements of § 49-4-907(3) ; or (2) Complete high school in a home school in the foreign nation where the student's parent is on work assignment and meet the eligibility requirements of § 49-4-908(a)(3) .
(1) Graduate from a high school that is accredited by a regional accrediting association as defined in § 49-4-902 in the foreign nation where the student's parent is on work assignment and meet the academic eligibility requirements of § 49-4-907(3) ; or
(2) Complete high school in a home school in the foreign nation where the student's parent is on work assignment and meet the eligibility requirements of § 49-4-908(a)(3) .
(c) This section shall only apply to dependent children of headquarters staff employees who are on full-time work assignment in another nation for more than one (1) year and who were residents of this state before leaving the United States and intend to return to Tennessee upon completion of their assignment.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 68, eff. 8/1/2020.
Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 428, s 1, eff. 5/16/2013.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2403 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2403
Legislative findings and declaration - Legislative intent
Status: in_force

(a) The general assembly finds and declares that public institutions of higher education in Tennessee are not immune from the sweep of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or the Constitution of Tennessee, Article I, § 19, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression. (b) It is the intent of the general assembly that the public institutions of higher education embrace a commitment to the freedom of speech and expression for all students and all faculty. (c) It is further the intent of the general assembly that public institutions of higher education, including their faculty, shall not require students or other faculty to adopt or to indicate their adherence to beliefs or orthodoxies on any particular political, philosophical, religious, social, or other such subject, although institutions may require students and faculty to conform their conduct to the requirements of law and policy. (d) It is further the intent of the general assembly that public institutions of higher education not stifle freedom of speech and expression by implementing vague or overbroad speech codes, establishing free speech zones, imposing unconstitutional prior restraints on speech, or disinviting speakers based on the anticipated reaction or opposition of others to the content of speech. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 336,s 5, eff. 1/1/2018.
(a) The general assembly finds and declares that public institutions of higher education in Tennessee are not immune from the sweep of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or the Constitution of Tennessee, Article I, § 19, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression.
(b) It is the intent of the general assembly that the public institutions of higher education embrace a commitment to the freedom of speech and expression for all students and all faculty.
(c) It is further the intent of the general assembly that public institutions of higher education, including their faculty, shall not require students or other faculty to adopt or to indicate their adherence to beliefs or orthodoxies on any particular political, philosophical, religious, social, or other such subject, although institutions may require students and faculty to conform their conduct to the requirements of law and policy.
(d) It is further the intent of the general assembly that public institutions of higher education not stifle freedom of speech and expression by implementing vague or overbroad speech codes, establishing free speech zones, imposing unconstitutional prior restraints on speech, or disinviting speakers based on the anticipated reaction or opposition of others to the content of speech.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 336,s 5, eff. 1/1/2018.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-6002 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-6002
Tests not to be conducted earlier than grade three (3)
Status: in_force

(a) No state-mandated test shall be conducted earlier than grade three (3), except that when the first and second grade tests provided for in chapter 434, § 7 of the Public Acts of 1997 are available, these tests shall be conducted. (b) The commissioner of education shall establish a schedule for the administration of the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program assessments and meet the provisions of § 49-1-226 . The commissioner shall have the authority to adjust the schedule for reasons including, but not limited to, natural disaster, prolonged inclement weather, or serious outbreaks of contagious illness. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 184, s 1, eff. 4/22/2015. Acts 1997 , ch. 434, § 6; 2009 , ch. 448, § 3; 2010 , ch. 1127, § 2.
(a) No state-mandated test shall be conducted earlier than grade three (3), except that when the first and second grade tests provided for in chapter 434, § 7 of the Public Acts of 1997 are available, these tests shall be conducted.
(b) The commissioner of education shall establish a schedule for the administration of the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program assessments and meet the provisions of § 49-1-226 . The commissioner shall have the authority to adjust the schedule for reasons including, but not limited to, natural disaster, prolonged inclement weather, or serious outbreaks of contagious illness.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 184, s 1, eff. 4/22/2015.
Acts 1997 , ch. 434, § 6; 2009 , ch. 448, § 3; 2010 , ch. 1127, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-3003 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-3003
Restrictions on purchase of alcoholic beverages
Status: in_force

Public institutions of higher education shall not purchase alcoholic beverages, beer, or wine with funds derived from state taxes, tuition, or student fees that are appropriated or reappropriated by the general assembly. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 28,s 5, eff. 3/29/2017. Acts 2004, ch. 768, § 1.
Public institutions of higher education shall not purchase alcoholic beverages, beer, or wine with funds derived from state taxes, tuition, or student fees that are appropriated or reappropriated by the general assembly.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 28,s 5, eff. 3/29/2017.
Acts 2004, ch. 768, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-114 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 49-10-114
Individualized education programs for children with disabilities
Status: in_force

(a) Special education and related services must be determined by the child's individualized education program (IEP) team based on the individual needs of the child. (b) Except when a written explanation to the contrary is included, the IEP of a child with a disability must include: (1) Pre-vocational assessments for students in kindergarten through grade six (K-6), inclusive, or students of comparable chronological age; and (2) Age-appropriate transition assessments to include, at a minimum, education, training, and employment for students age fourteen (14) and older. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 15, eff. 4/11/2019. Acts 1986, ch. 729, § 2; 1994, ch. 768, § 2; 2002, ch. 843, § 1.
(a) Special education and related services must be determined by the child's individualized education program (IEP) team based on the individual needs of the child.
(b) Except when a written explanation to the contrary is included, the IEP of a child with a disability must include: (1) Pre-vocational assessments for students in kindergarten through grade six (K-6), inclusive, or students of comparable chronological age; and (2) Age-appropriate transition assessments to include, at a minimum, education, training, and employment for students age fourteen (14) and older.
(1) Pre-vocational assessments for students in kindergarten through grade six (K-6), inclusive, or students of comparable chronological age; and
(2) Age-appropriate transition assessments to include, at a minimum, education, training, and employment for students age fourteen (14) and older.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 15, eff. 4/11/2019.
Acts 1986, ch. 729, § 2; 1994, ch. 768, § 2; 2002, ch. 843, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-201 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-201
General provisions
Status: in_force

(a) In case the United States congress enacts any legislation of any character making grants of public moneys to the states for the purpose of promoting the cause of public education, the department of education is designated as the authority to accept and administer the funds. (b) Nothing in this section interferes with the allocation and administration of federal funds specifically appropriated to institutions of higher education, or for specific purposes; provided, that the funds are allocated and administered in accordance with applicable federal law. (c) In case federal legislation makes funds available for public schools, for extended services of public schools, or for providing local and state supervisory services for public schools, or in case funds are made available through federal legislation previously passed for public schools, the department of education is authorized to accept and administer these funds according to the applicable federal law. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 204,s 2, eff. 4/25/2019. Acts 1953, ch. 70, § 34 (Williams, § 2417.209); Acts 1955, ch. 136, § 37; 1967, ch. 289, §§ 1, 2; 1974, ch. 654, § 10; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-109.
(a) In case the United States congress enacts any legislation of any character making grants of public moneys to the states for the purpose of promoting the cause of public education, the department of education is designated as the authority to accept and administer the funds.
(b) Nothing in this section interferes with the allocation and administration of federal funds specifically appropriated to institutions of higher education, or for specific purposes; provided, that the funds are allocated and administered in accordance with applicable federal law.
(c) In case federal legislation makes funds available for public schools, for extended services of public schools, or for providing local and state supervisory services for public schools, or in case funds are made available through federal legislation previously passed for public schools, the department of education is authorized to accept and administer these funds according to the applicable federal law.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 204,s 2, eff. 4/25/2019.
Acts 1953, ch. 70, § 34 (Williams, § 2417.209); Acts 1955, ch. 136, § 37; 1967, ch. 289, §§ 1, 2; 1974, ch. 654, § 10; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-109.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2011 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2011
Complaints against institution or agent
Status: in_force

(a) (1) A person claiming damage or loss as a result of an act or practice of an authorized postsecondary educational institution or its agent, or both, that is a violation of this part or of the rules promulgated pursuant to this part, may file with the commission a verified complaint against the institution or against its agent, or both. A student who files a complaint pursuant to this subsection (a) must first exhaust the grievance process at the institution. (2) The complaint must set forth the alleged violation and must contain any other information required by the commission. (3) The commission may open a complaint at its discretion or upon a request from the attorney general and reporter whenever it appears to the commission that a person, agent, group, or entity is, is about to, or has been violating this part or any of the rules promulgated pursuant to this part. (b) (1) Commission staff shall investigate all complaints filed or opened pursuant to subsection (a) and shall attempt to effectuate resolution of the complaint by persuasion and conciliation. (2) When resolution is not reached and if, based on all of the evidence obtained through the investigation, commission staff finds that a person, agent, group, or entity is, is about to, or has been violating this part or any of the rules promulgated pursuant to this part, commission staff may recommend that the executive director take action as provided for in §§ 49-7-2010 and 49-7-2017 . A party to the complaint must be provided an opportunity to show cause why the recommendations, if any, should not be forwarded to the executive director. The opportunity to show cause must detail the basis for the findings and provide a party with no fewer than ten (10) days to respond. (3) The executive director shall act on the recommendation after the time for response in subdivision (b)(2) has expired by providing written notice of the decision to all parties to the complaint. The notice must explain the right to a hearing and review of the decision by the commission as provided in § 49-7-2012(a) . (c) This section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of nonbinding mediation to settle disputes arising between a postsecondary educational institution and its enrollees, nor the inclusion of a nonbinding mediation clause in enrollment contracts or agreements. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 19, eff. 7/1/2022. Acts 1961, ch. 112, § 14; 1974, ch. 781, § 14; T.C.A., § 49-3914; Acts 1992, ch. 1026, § 5.
(a) (1) A person claiming damage or loss as a result of an act or practice of an authorized postsecondary educational institution or its agent, or both, that is a violation of this part or of the rules promulgated pursuant to this part, may file with the commission a verified complaint against the institution or against its agent, or both. A student who files a complaint pursuant to this subsection (a) must first exhaust the grievance process at the institution. (2) The complaint must set forth the alleged violation and must contain any other information required by the commission. (3) The commission may open a complaint at its discretion or upon a request from the attorney general and reporter whenever it appears to the commission that a person, agent, group, or entity is, is about to, or has been violating this part or any of the rules promulgated pursuant to this part.
(1) A person claiming damage or loss as a result of an act or practice of an authorized postsecondary educational institution or its agent, or both, that is a violation of this part or of the rules promulgated pursuant to this part, may file with the commission a verified complaint against the institution or against its agent, or both. A student who files a complaint pursuant to this subsection (a) must first exhaust the grievance process at the institution.
(2) The complaint must set forth the alleged violation and must contain any other information required by the commission.
(3) The commission may open a complaint at its discretion or upon a request from the attorney general and reporter whenever it appears to the commission that a person, agent, group, or entity is, is about to, or has been violating this part or any of the rules promulgated pursuant to this part.
(b) (1) Commission staff shall investigate all complaints filed or opened pursuant to subsection (a) and shall attempt to effectuate resolution of the complaint by persuasion and conciliation. (2) When resolution is not reached and if, based on all of the evidence obtained through the investigation, commission staff finds that a person, agent, group, or entity is, is about to, or has been violating this part or any of the rules promulgated pursuant to this part, commission staff may recommend that the executive director take action as provided for in §§ 49-7-2010 and 49-7-2017 . A party to the complaint must be provided an opportunity to show cause why the recommendations, if any, should not be forwarded to the executive director. The opportunity to show cause must detail the basis for the findings and provide a party with no fewer than ten (10) days to respond. (3) The executive director shall act on the recommendation after the time for response in subdivision (b)(2) has expired by providing written notice of the decision to all parties to the complaint. The notice must explain the right to a hearing and review of the decision by the commission as provided in § 49-7-2012(a) .
(1) Commission staff shall investigate all complaints filed or opened pursuant to subsection (a) and shall attempt to effectuate resolution of the complaint by persuasion and conciliation.
(2) When resolution is not reached and if, based on all of the evidence obtained through the investigation, commission staff finds that a person, agent, group, or entity is, is about to, or has been violating this part or any of the rules promulgated pursuant to this part, commission staff may recommend that the executive director take action as provided for in §§ 49-7-2010 and 49-7-2017 . A party to the complaint must be provided an opportunity to show cause why the recommendations, if any, should not be forwarded to the executive director. The opportunity to show cause must detail the basis for the findings and provide a party with no fewer than ten (10) days to respond.
(3) The executive director shall act on the recommendation after the time for response in subdivision (b)(2) has expired by providing written notice of the decision to all parties to the complaint. The notice must explain the right to a hearing and review of the decision by the commission as provided in § 49-7-2012(a) .
(c) This section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of nonbinding mediation to settle disputes arising between a postsecondary educational institution and its enrollees, nor the inclusion of a nonbinding mediation clause in enrollment contracts or agreements.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 19, eff. 7/1/2022.
Acts 1961, ch. 112, § 14; 1974, ch. 781, § 14; T.C.A., § 49-3914; Acts 1992, ch. 1026, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-705 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-705
LEAs and schools not to collect certain individual student data
Status: in_force

LEAs and schools shall not collect individual student data on: (1) Political affiliation; (2) Religion; (3) Voting history; and (4) Firearms ownership. Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 905, s 7, eff. 7/1/2014.
LEAs and schools shall not collect individual student data on:
(1) Political affiliation;
(2) Religion;
(3) Voting history; and
(4) Firearms ownership.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 905, s 7, eff. 7/1/2014.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3105 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-3105
Applications for transfer
Status: in_force

A local board of education may, by action duly recorded in the board minutes, prescribe a date reasonably in advance of or after the opening of school for the filing of applications for transfer of nonresident pupils into that system and refuse to consider applications filed after that date for the current year. Any transfer student who is admitted to the school system consistent with a policy deadline established according to this section shall be enrolled for one (1) complete school year. School board policies adopted consistent with this section shall establish a date upon which the parent, guardian, or student, as appropriate, shall receive notice of eligibility for reenrollment. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 214,s 6, eff. 4/23/2013. Acts 1957, ch. 13, § 5; T.C.A., § 49-1745; Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 88.
A local board of education may, by action duly recorded in the board minutes, prescribe a date reasonably in advance of or after the opening of school for the filing of applications for transfer of nonresident pupils into that system and refuse to consider applications filed after that date for the current year. Any transfer student who is admitted to the school system consistent with a policy deadline established according to this section shall be enrolled for one (1) complete school year. School board policies adopted consistent with this section shall establish a date upon which the parent, guardian, or student, as appropriate, shall receive notice of eligibility for reenrollment.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 214,s 6, eff. 4/23/2013.
Acts 1957, ch. 13, § 5; T.C.A., § 49-1745; Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 88.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-604 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-604
Mixed model methodologies
Status: in_force

As used in this part, "mixed model methodologies that provide for best linear unbiased prediction," or similar language setting forth the methodology used for evaluating measured progress of students, teachers, schools or school districts, has the meaning and shall be interpreted as set forth in the following references: (1) "A Unified Approach to Mixed Linear Models," McLean, Sanders, and Stroup; The American Statistician , February 1991; Vol. 45, No. 1; (2) "Extension of the Gauss-Markov Theorem to Include the Estimation of Random Effects," Harville; The Annals of Statistics , 1976; Vol. 4, No. 2, 384-395; (3) "Analysis of Variance in the Mixed Model: Higher Level, Nonhomogeneous, and Random Regressions," Henderson; Biometrics , September 1982; No. 38, 623-640; (4) "Maximum Likelihood Approaches to Variance Component Estimation and to Related Problems," Harville; Journal of the American Statistical Association , July 1977; Vol. 72, No. 358; (5) "Approximations for Standard Errors of Estimators of Fixed and Random Effects in Mixed Linear Models," Kackar and Harville; Journal of the American Statistical Association , December 1984; Vol. 79, No. 388; and (6) "The Analysis of Unbalanced Linear Models with Variance Components," Engel; Statistica Neerlandica , 1990; Vol. 44, No. 4. Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 4.
As used in this part, "mixed model methodologies that provide for best linear unbiased prediction," or similar language setting forth the methodology used for evaluating measured progress of students, teachers, schools or school districts, has the meaning and shall be interpreted as set forth in the following references:
(1) "A Unified Approach to Mixed Linear Models," McLean, Sanders, and Stroup; The American Statistician , February 1991; Vol. 45, No. 1;
(2) "Extension of the Gauss-Markov Theorem to Include the Estimation of Random Effects," Harville; The Annals of Statistics , 1976; Vol. 4, No. 2, 384-395;
(3) "Analysis of Variance in the Mixed Model: Higher Level, Nonhomogeneous, and Random Regressions," Henderson; Biometrics , September 1982; No. 38, 623-640;
(4) "Maximum Likelihood Approaches to Variance Component Estimation and to Related Problems," Harville; Journal of the American Statistical Association , July 1977; Vol. 72, No. 358;
(5) "Approximations for Standard Errors of Estimators of Fixed and Random Effects in Mixed Linear Models," Kackar and Harville; Journal of the American Statistical Association , December 1984; Vol. 79, No. 388; and
(6) "The Analysis of Unbalanced Linear Models with Variance Components," Engel; Statistica Neerlandica , 1990; Vol. 44, No. 4.
Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2305 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2305
Excused absences for documented mandatory military service
Status: in_force

Military reserve and national guard personnel who are students attending a state institution of higher education shall receive excused absences for classes missed for documented mandatory military service in the same manner as the institution would excuse attendance from a class for an official school function or other unavoidable event. Acts 2018, ch. 647, § 1.
Military reserve and national guard personnel who are students attending a state institution of higher education shall receive excused absences for classes missed for documented mandatory military service in the same manner as the institution would excuse attendance from a class for an official school function or other unavoidable event.
Acts 2018, ch. 647, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3504 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-3504
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 43, eff. 4/18/2018. Acts 1985, ch. 463, § 1.
Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 43, eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 1985, ch. 463, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-901 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-901
Short title
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Literacy Success Act." Amended by 2021EX1 Tenn. Acts, ch. 3, s 1, eff. 2/3/2021. Acts 1999, ch. 130, § 1.
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Literacy Success Act."
Amended by 2021EX1 Tenn. Acts, ch. 3, s 1, eff. 2/3/2021.
Acts 1999, ch. 130, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-8-1202 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 49-8-1202
Management and control
Status: in_force

The Southwest Tennessee Community College shall be under the management and control of the board of regents. Acts 1999, ch. 510, § 2; 2009, ch. 352, § 6.
The Southwest Tennessee Community College shall be under the management and control of the board of regents.
Acts 1999, ch. 510, § 2; 2009, ch. 352, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-1259 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-1259
Multi-county consolidated school systems - Audit of boards
Status: in_force

Consolidated boards of education shall be subject to the audit provisions of § 49-2-112 . Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 70.
Consolidated boards of education shall be subject to the audit provisions of § 49-2-112 .
Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 70.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2401 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-2401
Short title
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Community Schools Act." Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968,s 2, eff. 5/19/2014.
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Community Schools Act."
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968,s 2, eff. 5/19/2014.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-104 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-104
Inspection of local records
Status: in_force

Supervisors, under the direction of the commissioner of education, shall have the authority to inspect the records of local boards of education, the school accounts of county trustees and the administration of public schools, to make recommendations covering all the foregoing, and to perform other duties that may be assigned them. Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 7; Shan. Supp., § 1487a44; Code 1932, § 2333; Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 31; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-227.
Supervisors, under the direction of the commissioner of education, shall have the authority to inspect the records of local boards of education, the school accounts of county trustees and the administration of public schools, to make recommendations covering all the foregoing, and to perform other duties that may be assigned them.
Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 7; Shan. Supp., § 1487a44; Code 1932, § 2333; Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 31; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-227.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-151 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-151
Exemption from physical quorum requirement for participation by electronic or other means
Status: in_force

(a) The board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, the advisory boards for the University of Tennessee institutions, the board of regents of the state university and community college system, and the state university boards are not subject to the requirement of § 8-44-108(b)(1) that a physical quorum be present at the location specified in the notice of the meeting as the location of the meeting in order to allow participation by electronic or other means of communication for the benefit of the public and the governing body in connection with any meeting authorized by law. To qualify for the exemption from the requirements of § 8-44-108(b)(1) , pursuant to this subsection (a), an advisory board for a University of Tennessee institution must have had a physical quorum present at the location of a meeting at least one (1) time in the previous twelve (12) months. (b) The board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, the advisory boards for the University of Tennessee institutions that qualify for the exemption from the requirement under § 8-44-108(b)(1) , the board of regents of the state university and community college system, and the state university boards are not subject to the requirements of § 8-44-108(b)(2) or (b)(3) . Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 692, s 1, eff. 6/11/2020. Acts 2012 , ch. 692, § 1.
(a) The board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, the advisory boards for the University of Tennessee institutions, the board of regents of the state university and community college system, and the state university boards are not subject to the requirement of § 8-44-108(b)(1) that a physical quorum be present at the location specified in the notice of the meeting as the location of the meeting in order to allow participation by electronic or other means of communication for the benefit of the public and the governing body in connection with any meeting authorized by law. To qualify for the exemption from the requirements of § 8-44-108(b)(1) , pursuant to this subsection (a), an advisory board for a University of Tennessee institution must have had a physical quorum present at the location of a meeting at least one (1) time in the previous twelve (12) months.
(b) The board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, the advisory boards for the University of Tennessee institutions that qualify for the exemption from the requirement under § 8-44-108(b)(1) , the board of regents of the state university and community college system, and the state university boards are not subject to the requirements of § 8-44-108(b)(2) or (b)(3) .
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 692, s 1, eff. 6/11/2020.
Acts 2012 , ch. 692, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3026 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-3026
Student participation in 4-H
Status: in_force

(a) A student who participates in an activity or program sponsored by 4-H must be credited as present by the school in which the student is enrolled in the same manner as an educational field trip. Notwithstanding § 49-6-3022 , a school principal, or the principal's designee, shall not count a student absent for participating in an activity or program sponsored by 4-H. (b) Upon request from a school principal, or the principal's designee, a 4-H agent shall provide documentation as proof of a student's participation in an activity or program sponsored by 4-H. (c) A student must have the opportunity to make up any school work missed while the student was participating in an activity or program sponsored by 4-H, and shall not have the student's class grades adversely affected for lack of attendance or participation due to the student's participation in an activity or program sponsored by 4-H. (d) Notwithstanding subsection (a), a school principal, or the principal's designee, shall not credit a student who participates in an activity or program sponsored by 4-H as present if the student's participation in an activity or program sponsored by 4-H occurs during: (1) The schedule established by the commissioner of education for the administration of the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests; or (2) Any period of time for which the student has been suspended, expelled, or assigned to an alternative school or alternative program under part 34 of this chapter if the student's suspension, expulsion, or assignment to an alternative school or alternative program would otherwise preclude the student from participating in an educational field trip. Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 116, s 1, eff. 4/13/2021.
(a) A student who participates in an activity or program sponsored by 4-H must be credited as present by the school in which the student is enrolled in the same manner as an educational field trip. Notwithstanding § 49-6-3022 , a school principal, or the principal's designee, shall not count a student absent for participating in an activity or program sponsored by 4-H.
(b) Upon request from a school principal, or the principal's designee, a 4-H agent shall provide documentation as proof of a student's participation in an activity or program sponsored by 4-H.
(c) A student must have the opportunity to make up any school work missed while the student was participating in an activity or program sponsored by 4-H, and shall not have the student's class grades adversely affected for lack of attendance or participation due to the student's participation in an activity or program sponsored by 4-H.
(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a), a school principal, or the principal's designee, shall not credit a student who participates in an activity or program sponsored by 4-H as present if the student's participation in an activity or program sponsored by 4-H occurs during: (1) The schedule established by the commissioner of education for the administration of the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests; or (2) Any period of time for which the student has been suspended, expelled, or assigned to an alternative school or alternative program under part 34 of this chapter if the student's suspension, expulsion, or assignment to an alternative school or alternative program would otherwise preclude the student from participating in an educational field trip.
(1) The schedule established by the commissioner of education for the administration of the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests; or
(2) Any period of time for which the student has been suspended, expelled, or assigned to an alternative school or alternative program under part 34 of this chapter if the student's suspension, expulsion, or assignment to an alternative school or alternative program would otherwise preclude the student from participating in an educational field trip.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 116, s 1, eff. 4/13/2021.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-912 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-912
HOPE scholarship - Contingencies
Status: in_force

(a) The receipt of a Tennessee HOPE scholarship is contingent upon admission to an eligible postsecondary institution. Academically qualifying for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship does not guarantee admission to an eligible postsecondary institution. (b) Tennessee HOPE scholarship students may enroll as full-time students or part-time students at an eligible postsecondary institution. A student who enrolls as a full-time student at the beginning of a semester may not drop to part-time status in that semester, unless the student requests and the institution approves part-time status based on documented medical or personal grounds. TSAC shall promulgate rules and regulations for attendance as a part-time student, payment of awards to part-time students, change from full-time to part-time status based on documented medical or personal grounds, and the grounds for which such change from full-time to part-time status may be granted. The rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Acts 2003, ch. 298, § 1.
(a) The receipt of a Tennessee HOPE scholarship is contingent upon admission to an eligible postsecondary institution. Academically qualifying for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship does not guarantee admission to an eligible postsecondary institution.
(b) Tennessee HOPE scholarship students may enroll as full-time students or part-time students at an eligible postsecondary institution. A student who enrolls as a full-time student at the beginning of a semester may not drop to part-time status in that semester, unless the student requests and the institution approves part-time status based on documented medical or personal grounds. TSAC shall promulgate rules and regulations for attendance as a part-time student, payment of awards to part-time students, change from full-time to part-time status based on documented medical or personal grounds, and the grounds for which such change from full-time to part-time status may be granted. The rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Acts 2003, ch. 298, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-105 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-105
Residency - Rules and regulations
Status: in_force

(a) The board of trustees of the University of Tennessee is authorized to establish from time to time reasonable and appropriate rules and regulations defining residency of students, which, when approved by the governor, shall be used for the purpose of determining whether or not out-of-state tuition shall be charged to a student enrolling in the University of Tennessee. (b) (1) The board of trustees of the University of Tennessee may classify a student as a Tennessee resident and charge the student in-state tuition, if the student is a citizen of the United States, has resided in Tennessee for at least one (1) year immediately prior to admission and has: (A) Graduated from a Tennessee public secondary school; (B) Graduated from a private secondary school that is located in this state; or (C) Earned a Tennessee high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education. (2) Subdivision (b)(1) shall not be construed to limit the authority of the board of trustees under subsection (a) to establish other reasonable and appropriate rules and regulations defining additional categories of residents. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 114,s 34, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 745, s 2, eff. 7/1/2014. Acts 1959, ch. 118, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-3342.
(a) The board of trustees of the University of Tennessee is authorized to establish from time to time reasonable and appropriate rules and regulations defining residency of students, which, when approved by the governor, shall be used for the purpose of determining whether or not out-of-state tuition shall be charged to a student enrolling in the University of Tennessee.
(b) (1) The board of trustees of the University of Tennessee may classify a student as a Tennessee resident and charge the student in-state tuition, if the student is a citizen of the United States, has resided in Tennessee for at least one (1) year immediately prior to admission and has: (A) Graduated from a Tennessee public secondary school; (B) Graduated from a private secondary school that is located in this state; or (C) Earned a Tennessee high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education. (2) Subdivision (b)(1) shall not be construed to limit the authority of the board of trustees under subsection (a) to establish other reasonable and appropriate rules and regulations defining additional categories of residents.
(1) The board of trustees of the University of Tennessee may classify a student as a Tennessee resident and charge the student in-state tuition, if the student is a citizen of the United States, has resided in Tennessee for at least one (1) year immediately prior to admission and has: (A) Graduated from a Tennessee public secondary school; (B) Graduated from a private secondary school that is located in this state; or (C) Earned a Tennessee high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education.
(A) Graduated from a Tennessee public secondary school;
(B) Graduated from a private secondary school that is located in this state; or
(C) Earned a Tennessee high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education.
(2) Subdivision (b)(1) shall not be construed to limit the authority of the board of trustees under subsection (a) to establish other reasonable and appropriate rules and regulations defining additional categories of residents.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 114,s 34, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 745, s 2, eff. 7/1/2014.
Acts 1959, ch. 118, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-3342.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-820 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-820
Actuarial soundness of funds
Status: in_force

(a) The board shall obtain appropriate actuarial assistance to establish, and maintain, and certify a fund sufficient to defray the obligation of the educational services plan. The actuary shall recommend to the board, and the board shall adopt, actuarial assumptions and appropriate actuarial tables for use in all calculations in connection with such plan. (b) At least once in each six-year period, the actuary shall make an actuarial investigation into the assumptions and tables used in the educational services plan, and taking into account the results of the investigation, the board shall adopt for the plan the actuarial assumptions and tables that are deemed necessary. (c) The board of trustees shall keep in convenient form data necessary for actuarial valuation of the fund and for checking the experience of such plan. (d) On the basis of the tables and assumptions the board of trustees adopts, the actuary shall make a valuation, at least once a year, of the assets and liabilities of the educational services program trust funds. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 910,s 22, eff. 5/13/2014. Acts 1996, ch. 991, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-7-818 ; Acts 1999, ch. 233, §§ 31, 32.
(a) The board shall obtain appropriate actuarial assistance to establish, and maintain, and certify a fund sufficient to defray the obligation of the educational services plan. The actuary shall recommend to the board, and the board shall adopt, actuarial assumptions and appropriate actuarial tables for use in all calculations in connection with such plan.
(b) At least once in each six-year period, the actuary shall make an actuarial investigation into the assumptions and tables used in the educational services plan, and taking into account the results of the investigation, the board shall adopt for the plan the actuarial assumptions and tables that are deemed necessary.
(c) The board of trustees shall keep in convenient form data necessary for actuarial valuation of the fund and for checking the experience of such plan.
(d) On the basis of the tables and assumptions the board of trustees adopts, the actuary shall make a valuation, at least once a year, of the assets and liabilities of the educational services program trust funds.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 910,s 22, eff. 5/13/2014.
Acts 1996, ch. 991, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-7-818 ; Acts 1999, ch. 233, §§ 31, 32.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-1109 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-1109
Collaboration with department of human services for training - Funding and technical assistance
Status: in_force

(a) The departments of education and human services shall collaborate regarding the following areas relative to child care: (1) Access to appropriate training opportunities that are provided through the Tennessee early childhood training alliance; (2) Representation in committees and work groups that are responsible for planning funding allocations for child care development block grant funds; (3) Recognition of department of education programs on the department of human services' resource and referral system; (4) Eligibility of department of education-monitored programs for child care certificate funds; (5) Dual access to child care provider data in order to maintain the current status of child care service broker information; (6) The planning and coordination of annual meetings between staff of the child care services division of the department of human services and the department of education for the purpose of advancing the quality of child care in this state; (7) Access to training and technical assistance from the child care resource center; and (8) Training that might be developed through any of the child care programs monitored by the department of education. (b) The department of education shall require departmental employees who conduct on-site inspections of child care programs to periodically participate in the training activities conducted by the department of human services for inspectors of that department's child care programs. Acts 2000, ch. 981, § 49.
(a) The departments of education and human services shall collaborate regarding the following areas relative to child care: (1) Access to appropriate training opportunities that are provided through the Tennessee early childhood training alliance; (2) Representation in committees and work groups that are responsible for planning funding allocations for child care development block grant funds; (3) Recognition of department of education programs on the department of human services' resource and referral system; (4) Eligibility of department of education-monitored programs for child care certificate funds; (5) Dual access to child care provider data in order to maintain the current status of child care service broker information; (6) The planning and coordination of annual meetings between staff of the child care services division of the department of human services and the department of education for the purpose of advancing the quality of child care in this state; (7) Access to training and technical assistance from the child care resource center; and (8) Training that might be developed through any of the child care programs monitored by the department of education.
(1) Access to appropriate training opportunities that are provided through the Tennessee early childhood training alliance;
(2) Representation in committees and work groups that are responsible for planning funding allocations for child care development block grant funds;
(3) Recognition of department of education programs on the department of human services' resource and referral system;
(4) Eligibility of department of education-monitored programs for child care certificate funds;
(5) Dual access to child care provider data in order to maintain the current status of child care service broker information;
(6) The planning and coordination of annual meetings between staff of the child care services division of the department of human services and the department of education for the purpose of advancing the quality of child care in this state;
(7) Access to training and technical assistance from the child care resource center; and
(8) Training that might be developed through any of the child care programs monitored by the department of education.
(b) The department of education shall require departmental employees who conduct on-site inspections of child care programs to periodically participate in the training activities conducted by the department of human services for inspectors of that department's child care programs.
Acts 2000, ch. 981, § 49.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-302 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-302
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Acts 1963, ch. 168, § 2; 1969, ch. 6, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-3802.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2406 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2406
Policy on student-to-student harassment
Status: in_force

(a) With respect to disciplining students for their speech, expression, or assemblies, an institution shall adopt a policy on "student-on-student harassment" defining the term consistent with and no more expansively than the language contained in subsection (b). (b) As used in this section, "student-on-student harassment" means unwelcome conduct directed toward a person that is discriminatory on a basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law, and that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively bars the victim's access to an educational opportunity or benefit. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 336,s 8, eff. 1/1/2018.
(a) With respect to disciplining students for their speech, expression, or assemblies, an institution shall adopt a policy on "student-on-student harassment" defining the term consistent with and no more expansively than the language contained in subsection (b).
(b) As used in this section, "student-on-student harassment" means unwelcome conduct directed toward a person that is discriminatory on a basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law, and that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively bars the victim's access to an educational opportunity or benefit.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 336,s 8, eff. 1/1/2018.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-103 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-103
Student loans
Status: in_force

(a) State colleges and universities operating under the state board of regents and the University of Tennessee operating under the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee are authorized to use funds resulting from state appropriations or student fees for the purpose of participating in college loan funds under the National Defense Education Act of 1958 (P.L. 85-864, 72 Stat. 1597), and other loan programs; provided, that the state university and community college system and the University of Tennessee are empowered to take any and all action deemed necessary to collect all loans extended to students or former students by the institutions. (b) The proper administrative official of any state or private college or university within this state, if authorized by its particular controlling board having jurisdiction over the state or private college or university, may accept the note or contract of a college student applying for a student loan or aid under the National Defense Education Act student loan program, or other bona fide, established student loan program of the state or private college or university. The note or contract shall be valid and fully enforceable in a court of law or equity, and the college student in such circumstances shall be without recourse to plead minority in any court of law or equity. Acts 1959, ch. 120, § 1; 1961, ch. 76, § 1; 1973, ch. 144, § 3; 1973, ch. 206, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-3223, 49-3228.
(a) State colleges and universities operating under the state board of regents and the University of Tennessee operating under the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee are authorized to use funds resulting from state appropriations or student fees for the purpose of participating in college loan funds under the National Defense Education Act of 1958 (P.L. 85-864, 72 Stat. 1597), and other loan programs; provided, that the state university and community college system and the University of Tennessee are empowered to take any and all action deemed necessary to collect all loans extended to students or former students by the institutions.
(b) The proper administrative official of any state or private college or university within this state, if authorized by its particular controlling board having jurisdiction over the state or private college or university, may accept the note or contract of a college student applying for a student loan or aid under the National Defense Education Act student loan program, or other bona fide, established student loan program of the state or private college or university. The note or contract shall be valid and fully enforceable in a court of law or equity, and the college student in such circumstances shall be without recourse to plead minority in any court of law or equity.
Acts 1959, ch. 120, § 1; 1961, ch. 76, § 1; 1973, ch. 144, § 3; 1973, ch. 206, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-3223, 49-3228.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-905 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-905
College savings bonds - Discount - Maturity - Sale
Status: in_force

(a) College savings bonds shall be sold at a discount to be determined by the issuer, shall bear no stated rate of interest and shall be payable in one (1) payment at maturity on a fixed date. The bonds shall mature no less than five (5) years nor more than twenty (20) years from the date of issuance, unless the issuer determines otherwise. (b) College savings bonds may be sold either at a competitive or a negotiated sale, notwithstanding any law to the contrary. In the event college savings bonds shall be sold at a negotiated sale, the bonds shall be sold with yields no higher than the estimated yield that could be obtained at a competitive sale on the date the yields are established. The issuing agency shall document how the negotiated sales prices have been established and the documentation shall become a permanent record of the agency. (c) For purposes of computing the aggregate principal of bonds issued or outstanding at any one time, college savings bonds shall be considered to be issued and outstanding in a principal amount equal to the price paid to the issuer for the bonds as of the date of their sale. (d) All other provisions concerning the issuance of bonds prescribed in title 9, chapter 9, or in chapter 3, part 12 of this title, shall apply to college savings bonds issued by the state funding board or the Tennessee state school bond authority. Acts 1989, ch. 190, § 6.
(a) College savings bonds shall be sold at a discount to be determined by the issuer, shall bear no stated rate of interest and shall be payable in one (1) payment at maturity on a fixed date. The bonds shall mature no less than five (5) years nor more than twenty (20) years from the date of issuance, unless the issuer determines otherwise.
(b) College savings bonds may be sold either at a competitive or a negotiated sale, notwithstanding any law to the contrary. In the event college savings bonds shall be sold at a negotiated sale, the bonds shall be sold with yields no higher than the estimated yield that could be obtained at a competitive sale on the date the yields are established. The issuing agency shall document how the negotiated sales prices have been established and the documentation shall become a permanent record of the agency.
(c) For purposes of computing the aggregate principal of bonds issued or outstanding at any one time, college savings bonds shall be considered to be issued and outstanding in a principal amount equal to the price paid to the issuer for the bonds as of the date of their sale.
(d) All other provisions concerning the issuance of bonds prescribed in title 9, chapter 9, or in chapter 3, part 12 of this title, shall apply to college savings bonds issued by the state funding board or the Tennessee state school bond authority.
Acts 1989, ch. 190, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-11-908 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 49-11-908
Audits of program operator
Status: in_force

As a condition of receiving funds from THEC pursuant to this part, the program operator must agree to submit to audits by the comptroller of the treasury. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 468,s 12, eff. 7/1/2019. Added by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 991,s 2, eff. 5/21/2018.
As a condition of receiving funds from THEC pursuant to this part, the program operator must agree to submit to audits by the comptroller of the treasury.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 468,s 12, eff. 7/1/2019.
Added by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 991,s 2, eff. 5/21/2018.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-701 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-701
School of medicine - General practice
Status: in_force

(a) The University of Tennessee school of medicine shall include in the curriculum a department of general practice of medicine under the direction and supervision of a qualified family practitioner. (b) The minimum requirements for the department shall include courses of study in family care, including clinical experience, a program of preceptorships, a program of internships or general practice residences in a hospital and other teaching techniques that, in the judgment of the management of the school, are best suited to encourage and implement the preparation of students for the general practice of medicine. (c) The University of Tennessee is authorized to use that portion of the funds appropriated to it by the general assembly that the board of trustees deems necessary to establish and operate a department of general practice of medicine in the University of Tennessee school of medicine. Acts 1971, ch. 203, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 49-3353.
(a) The University of Tennessee school of medicine shall include in the curriculum a department of general practice of medicine under the direction and supervision of a qualified family practitioner.
(b) The minimum requirements for the department shall include courses of study in family care, including clinical experience, a program of preceptorships, a program of internships or general practice residences in a hospital and other teaching techniques that, in the judgment of the management of the school, are best suited to encourage and implement the preparation of students for the general practice of medicine.
(c) The University of Tennessee is authorized to use that portion of the funds appropriated to it by the general assembly that the board of trustees deems necessary to establish and operate a department of general practice of medicine in the University of Tennessee school of medicine.
Acts 1971, ch. 203, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 49-3353.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-101 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-101
Treasurer and secretary
Status: in_force

(a) The offices of treasurer and secretary of the university may be held by persons who are not members of the board of trustees. (b) It is lawful, however, for the offices of treasurer and secretary to be held by members of the board of trustees, who in such event shall be suitably compensated for their services at the discretion of the board. (c) The offices of treasurer and secretary may be held by one (1) person if so ordered by the board of trustees. Acts 1909, ch. 48, § 5; Shan., § 373a5; mod. Code 1932, § 579; Acts 1980, ch. 887, § 7; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-3310.
(a) The offices of treasurer and secretary of the university may be held by persons who are not members of the board of trustees.
(b) It is lawful, however, for the offices of treasurer and secretary to be held by members of the board of trustees, who in such event shall be suitably compensated for their services at the discretion of the board.
(c) The offices of treasurer and secretary may be held by one (1) person if so ordered by the board of trustees.
Acts 1909, ch. 48, § 5; Shan., § 373a5; mod. Code 1932, § 579; Acts 1980, ch. 887, § 7; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-3310.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-402 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-402
Control of municipal schools
Status: in_force

The board of each municipality voting for and collecting the tax provided for in § 49-2-401 shall have exclusive control and management over such common schools. Acts 1872, ch. 12, § 3; Shan., § 1975; mod. Code 1932, § 3387; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-304.
The board of each municipality voting for and collecting the tax provided for in § 49-2-401 shall have exclusive control and management over such common schools.
Acts 1872, ch. 12, § 3; Shan., § 1975; mod. Code 1932, § 3387; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-304.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-110 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-110
Eligibility requirements for practitioner occupational teaching license
Status: in_force

(a) To be eligible to receive a practitioner occupational teaching license, a person must: (1) Have a minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last ten (10) years, or three (3) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last five (5) years, in the area of endorsement or equivalent educational attainment, as defined by the department of education; (2) Hold an active industry license or credential, including those issued by any state, for the area of endorsement, as defined by the department of education; (3) Meet the requirements established by rule by the state board of education; and (4) (A) Be enrolled in a state board-approved educator preparation program with a job-embedded clinical practice; (B) Have completed a state board-approved educator preparation program; or (C) Provide proof of pairing with a highly effective mentor teacher and completion of coursework in classroom management, pedagogy, serving students with disabilities and English learners, and the teacher code of ethics as set forth in § 49-5-5615 , from a state board-approved educator preparation program. (b) An educator who is issued a practitioner occupational teaching license pursuant to this section shall meet all requirements for license advancement and renewal established by state board of education rules. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1141, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
(a) To be eligible to receive a practitioner occupational teaching license, a person must: (1) Have a minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last ten (10) years, or three (3) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last five (5) years, in the area of endorsement or equivalent educational attainment, as defined by the department of education; (2) Hold an active industry license or credential, including those issued by any state, for the area of endorsement, as defined by the department of education; (3) Meet the requirements established by rule by the state board of education; and (4) (A) Be enrolled in a state board-approved educator preparation program with a job-embedded clinical practice; (B) Have completed a state board-approved educator preparation program; or (C) Provide proof of pairing with a highly effective mentor teacher and completion of coursework in classroom management, pedagogy, serving students with disabilities and English learners, and the teacher code of ethics as set forth in § 49-5-5615 , from a state board-approved educator preparation program.
(1) Have a minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last ten (10) years, or three (3) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last five (5) years, in the area of endorsement or equivalent educational attainment, as defined by the department of education;
(2) Hold an active industry license or credential, including those issued by any state, for the area of endorsement, as defined by the department of education;
(3) Meet the requirements established by rule by the state board of education; and
(4) (A) Be enrolled in a state board-approved educator preparation program with a job-embedded clinical practice; (B) Have completed a state board-approved educator preparation program; or (C) Provide proof of pairing with a highly effective mentor teacher and completion of coursework in classroom management, pedagogy, serving students with disabilities and English learners, and the teacher code of ethics as set forth in § 49-5-5615 , from a state board-approved educator preparation program.
(A) Be enrolled in a state board-approved educator preparation program with a job-embedded clinical practice;
(B) Have completed a state board-approved educator preparation program; or
(C) Provide proof of pairing with a highly effective mentor teacher and completion of coursework in classroom management, pedagogy, serving students with disabilities and English learners, and the teacher code of ethics as set forth in § 49-5-5615 , from a state board-approved educator preparation program.
(b) An educator who is issued a practitioner occupational teaching license pursuant to this section shall meet all requirements for license advancement and renewal established by state board of education rules.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1141, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3113 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-3113
Dependents of LEA employees - Attendance at parent's school
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding this part to the contrary, if a parent of a school-age child is employed by an LEA located outside the LEA of the parent's residence, then the employee's child may attend a school within the LEA that employs the nonresident parent. The child's parent must comply with the LEA's tuition requirements. This section is subject to §§ 49-6-3104 and 49-6-3105 . (b) (1) Pursuant to board policy, a parent or guardian teaching in the school system of the parent's or guardian's residence shall be allowed to enroll the parent's or guardian's child at the school where the parent or guardian teaches. This subdivision (b)(1) does not apply to children of teachers teaching at magnet schools. Nothing in this subdivision (b)(1) shall be construed to limit the board's authority in student assignment as set forth in this part. (2) If a teacher teaches at a grade's or grades' specific school and a child of that teacher is not within that age group, that teacher's child shall be eligible to attend a school of appropriate grade within the LEA by which the parent is employed. This subdivision (b)(2) does not apply to children of teachers teaching at magnet schools. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 709, s 2, eff. 7/1/2022. Acts 1992, ch. 669, § 1; 1997 , ch. 264, §§ 1, 2; 1998, ch. 867, § 1; 1999, ch. 511, §§ 1 - 3.
(a) Notwithstanding this part to the contrary, if a parent of a school-age child is employed by an LEA located outside the LEA of the parent's residence, then the employee's child may attend a school within the LEA that employs the nonresident parent. The child's parent must comply with the LEA's tuition requirements. This section is subject to §§ 49-6-3104 and 49-6-3105 .
(b) (1) Pursuant to board policy, a parent or guardian teaching in the school system of the parent's or guardian's residence shall be allowed to enroll the parent's or guardian's child at the school where the parent or guardian teaches. This subdivision (b)(1) does not apply to children of teachers teaching at magnet schools. Nothing in this subdivision (b)(1) shall be construed to limit the board's authority in student assignment as set forth in this part. (2) If a teacher teaches at a grade's or grades' specific school and a child of that teacher is not within that age group, that teacher's child shall be eligible to attend a school of appropriate grade within the LEA by which the parent is employed. This subdivision (b)(2) does not apply to children of teachers teaching at magnet schools.
(1) Pursuant to board policy, a parent or guardian teaching in the school system of the parent's or guardian's residence shall be allowed to enroll the parent's or guardian's child at the school where the parent or guardian teaches. This subdivision (b)(1) does not apply to children of teachers teaching at magnet schools. Nothing in this subdivision (b)(1) shall be construed to limit the board's authority in student assignment as set forth in this part.
(2) If a teacher teaches at a grade's or grades' specific school and a child of that teacher is not within that age group, that teacher's child shall be eligible to attend a school of appropriate grade within the LEA by which the parent is employed. This subdivision (b)(2) does not apply to children of teachers teaching at magnet schools.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 709, s 2, eff. 7/1/2022.
Acts 1992, ch. 669, § 1; 1997 , ch. 264, §§ 1, 2; 1998, ch. 867, § 1; 1999, ch. 511, §§ 1 - 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-822 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-822
Exemption of assets and benefits from taxation, execution, garnishment and assignment
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, all assets, income and distributions of qualified tuition plans as defined by the code authorized by federal law, this part, part 9 of this chapter or by the laws of another state are exempt from any state, county or municipal tax and shall not be subject to execution, attachment, garnishment, the operation of bankruptcy, the insolvency laws or other process whatsoever, nor shall any assignment thereof be enforceable in any court. This exemption shall include, but is not limited to, qualified tuition plans defined in § 529 of the Internal Revenue Code ( 26 U.S.C. § 529 ), accounts properly designated as education savings accounts, education IRAs or future tuition payment plans, however described, and shall include any properly authorized payments made to or by such funds. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 910, s 23, eff. 5/13/2014. Acts 1996, ch. 991, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-7-820 ; Acts 1999, ch. 233, § 33; 2004, ch. 712, § 1.
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, all assets, income and distributions of qualified tuition plans as defined by the code authorized by federal law, this part, part 9 of this chapter or by the laws of another state are exempt from any state, county or municipal tax and shall not be subject to execution, attachment, garnishment, the operation of bankruptcy, the insolvency laws or other process whatsoever, nor shall any assignment thereof be enforceable in any court. This exemption shall include, but is not limited to, qualified tuition plans defined in § 529 of the Internal Revenue Code ( 26 U.S.C. § 529 ), accounts properly designated as education savings accounts, education IRAs or future tuition payment plans, however described, and shall include any properly authorized payments made to or by such funds.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 910, s 23, eff. 5/13/2014.
Acts 1996, ch. 991, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-7-820 ; Acts 1999, ch. 233, § 33; 2004, ch. 712, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-909 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-909
Funding
Status: in_force

(a) Appropriations in the amounts to be determined annually by the general assembly are authorized for the purposes of carrying out this part. (b) The Tennessee public television council, in accordance with § 49-50-905(d)(3) , has the responsibility for submitting budgetary requests for appropriations for the stations to the governor and the proper committees of the general assembly. The council shall satisfy the appropriate committees of the general assembly that the stations are cooperating in providing high quality public television service to the people of this state, that the needs of the people of this state are being met through the provision of adequate instructional, cultural and informational programming and that the stations have implemented mechanisms for determining the needs of the citizens and institutions in their respective coverage areas. (c) The commissioner of education may be requested by the general assembly to provide testimony concerning the adequacy of the educational television service being provided by the stations and the adequacy of the support services provided by the department of education. (d) The general assembly shall appropriate funds it deems proper, to be disbursed by the commissioner to the eligible stations upon the terms set forth in this section. (e) The commissioner shall make annual grants to the eligible stations under the terms of the grant formula that shall be provided by the Tennessee public broadcasting council. It is the responsibility of the commissioner to determine that each station requesting a grant under the terms of this part meets the grant criteria of the funding formula then in force. Having ascertained that each eligible station has met the criteria of the formula, the commissioner is authorized and directed to disburse grants to the stations as expeditiously as possible. (f) The general assembly may appropriate from time to time capital improvement grants that it may deem proper. The grants shall be used for the purchase, replacement or improvement of the capital equipment of eligible stations and may be used to match grants received from other sources. Capital improvement grants are in addition to other grants that may be provided for station operations under any other provisions of this part. (g) Capital improvement grants may be made by the general assembly upon the recommendation of the Tennessee public television council, the commissioner or upon the recommendation of other state officials, but no such grant may be made solely upon the recommendation or application of the station to whom the grant is to be awarded. (h) The commissioner is authorized and directed to disburse sums appropriated for capital improvement grants to the grantee in accordance with the terms of the appropriation. Acts 1984, ch. 514, § 9.
(a) Appropriations in the amounts to be determined annually by the general assembly are authorized for the purposes of carrying out this part.
(b) The Tennessee public television council, in accordance with § 49-50-905(d)(3) , has the responsibility for submitting budgetary requests for appropriations for the stations to the governor and the proper committees of the general assembly. The council shall satisfy the appropriate committees of the general assembly that the stations are cooperating in providing high quality public television service to the people of this state, that the needs of the people of this state are being met through the provision of adequate instructional, cultural and informational programming and that the stations have implemented mechanisms for determining the needs of the citizens and institutions in their respective coverage areas.
(c) The commissioner of education may be requested by the general assembly to provide testimony concerning the adequacy of the educational television service being provided by the stations and the adequacy of the support services provided by the department of education.
(d) The general assembly shall appropriate funds it deems proper, to be disbursed by the commissioner to the eligible stations upon the terms set forth in this section.
(e) The commissioner shall make annual grants to the eligible stations under the terms of the grant formula that shall be provided by the Tennessee public broadcasting council. It is the responsibility of the commissioner to determine that each station requesting a grant under the terms of this part meets the grant criteria of the funding formula then in force. Having ascertained that each eligible station has met the criteria of the formula, the commissioner is authorized and directed to disburse grants to the stations as expeditiously as possible.
(f) The general assembly may appropriate from time to time capital improvement grants that it may deem proper. The grants shall be used for the purchase, replacement or improvement of the capital equipment of eligible stations and may be used to match grants received from other sources. Capital improvement grants are in addition to other grants that may be provided for station operations under any other provisions of this part.
(g) Capital improvement grants may be made by the general assembly upon the recommendation of the Tennessee public television council, the commissioner or upon the recommendation of other state officials, but no such grant may be made solely upon the recommendation or application of the station to whom the grant is to be awarded.
(h) The commissioner is authorized and directed to disburse sums appropriated for capital improvement grants to the grantee in accordance with the terms of the appropriation.
Acts 1984, ch. 514, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-1202 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-1202
Legislative findings - Applicability
Status: in_force

The general assembly finds that ensuring the quality of elementary and secondary education in Tennessee is a compelling state interest. The filing of meritless litigation against teachers, administrators, and other school employees interferes with the quality of public and private education, particularly where the litigation arises out of the good faith efforts of educators to maintain classroom discipline or to address threats to student safety. Meritless litigation also diverts a school's financial and personnel resources to litigation defense activities, which reduces the availability of those resources for educational opportunities for students. The general assembly finds that legislation to deter the filing of meritless litigation and to sanction deliberately false reports levied against educators is a rational and appropriate method to serve this compelling state interest. This part is intended to reflect and expand upon federal educator protection statutes. This part does not apply to public or private educators who have been convicted of a crime or who have been terminated for misconduct. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 407,s 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
The general assembly finds that ensuring the quality of elementary and secondary education in Tennessee is a compelling state interest. The filing of meritless litigation against teachers, administrators, and other school employees interferes with the quality of public and private education, particularly where the litigation arises out of the good faith efforts of educators to maintain classroom discipline or to address threats to student safety. Meritless litigation also diverts a school's financial and personnel resources to litigation defense activities, which reduces the availability of those resources for educational opportunities for students. The general assembly finds that legislation to deter the filing of meritless litigation and to sanction deliberately false reports levied against educators is a rational and appropriate method to serve this compelling state interest. This part is intended to reflect and expand upon federal educator protection statutes. This part does not apply to public or private educators who have been convicted of a crime or who have been terminated for misconduct.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 407,s 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-1211 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-1211
Authority of the higher education commission to establish policies and guidelines and to promulgate rules and regulations
Status: in_force

The higher education commission, in consultation with the department of labor and workforce development and the department of economic and community development, is authorized to establish any policies and guidelines, and to promulgate rules and regulations, to effectuate the purposes of this part. Such rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 338,s 12, eff. 1/1/2014.
The higher education commission, in consultation with the department of labor and workforce development and the department of economic and community development, is authorized to establish any policies and guidelines, and to promulgate rules and regulations, to effectuate the purposes of this part. Such rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 338,s 12, eff. 1/1/2014.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-211 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-211
Policy for student surveys, analyses or evaluations
Status: in_force

(a) Every LEA shall develop a policy setting forth the rights of parents and students and guidelines for teachers and principals with respect to the administration of surveys, analyses or evaluations of students. (b) The policy must: (1) Allow a parent or legal guardian access to review all surveys, analyses, or evaluations, prior to being administered to the parent or legal guardian's child; and (2) Require the LEA to obtain the written, informed, and voluntarily signed consent of a student's parent or legal guardian, or the student if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older, before the student participates in a survey, analysis, or evaluation. This subdivision (b)(2) does not apply if the full survey, analysis, or evaluation is related to classroom instruction of a curriculum and the survey, analysis, or evaluation is distributed to students as a method of evaluating the effectiveness of an instructional curriculum. A student's parent or legal guardian, or the student if the student is at least eighteen (18) years of age, may withdraw the parent's, legal guardian's, or student's consent at any time before the student participates in the survey, analysis, or evaluation. (c) The LEA shall also disclose to the parent or legal guardian of the student the purpose for the survey, analysis, or evaluation materials as well as who will have access to the results. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 353, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1013,s 2, eff. 7/1/2014. Acts 1999, ch. 83, § 1.
(a) Every LEA shall develop a policy setting forth the rights of parents and students and guidelines for teachers and principals with respect to the administration of surveys, analyses or evaluations of students.
(b) The policy must: (1) Allow a parent or legal guardian access to review all surveys, analyses, or evaluations, prior to being administered to the parent or legal guardian's child; and (2) Require the LEA to obtain the written, informed, and voluntarily signed consent of a student's parent or legal guardian, or the student if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older, before the student participates in a survey, analysis, or evaluation. This subdivision (b)(2) does not apply if the full survey, analysis, or evaluation is related to classroom instruction of a curriculum and the survey, analysis, or evaluation is distributed to students as a method of evaluating the effectiveness of an instructional curriculum. A student's parent or legal guardian, or the student if the student is at least eighteen (18) years of age, may withdraw the parent's, legal guardian's, or student's consent at any time before the student participates in the survey, analysis, or evaluation.
(1) Allow a parent or legal guardian access to review all surveys, analyses, or evaluations, prior to being administered to the parent or legal guardian's child; and
(2) Require the LEA to obtain the written, informed, and voluntarily signed consent of a student's parent or legal guardian, or the student if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older, before the student participates in a survey, analysis, or evaluation. This subdivision (b)(2) does not apply if the full survey, analysis, or evaluation is related to classroom instruction of a curriculum and the survey, analysis, or evaluation is distributed to students as a method of evaluating the effectiveness of an instructional curriculum. A student's parent or legal guardian, or the student if the student is at least eighteen (18) years of age, may withdraw the parent's, legal guardian's, or student's consent at any time before the student participates in the survey, analysis, or evaluation.
(c) The LEA shall also disclose to the parent or legal guardian of the student the purpose for the survey, analysis, or evaluation materials as well as who will have access to the results.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 353, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1013,s 2, eff. 7/1/2014.
Acts 1999, ch. 83, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1029 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1029
[Repealed] Reserved
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 61, eff. 5/2/2019. Acts 2010 , ch. 1045, §§ 1, 2.
Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 61, eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 2010 , ch. 1045, §§ 1, 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-8-902 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 49-8-902
Board of regents
Status: in_force

(a) The institution shall be under the management and control of the board of regents. (b) It is the legislative intent that the board of regents will maintain a permanent presence in Oak Ridge. Acts 1988, ch. 1020, §§ 2, 3.
(a) The institution shall be under the management and control of the board of regents.
(b) It is the legislative intent that the board of regents will maintain a permanent presence in Oak Ridge.
Acts 1988, ch. 1020, §§ 2, 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-904 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-904
College savings bonds - Authorized - Taxation
Status: in_force

(a) Bonds issued by the state funding board pursuant to title 9, chapter 9, or by the Tennessee state school bond authority pursuant to chapter 3, part 12 of this title, may be designated by the appropriate issuer as college savings bonds and issued in accordance with this part. (b) College savings bonds and the interest on the bonds shall be free from all taxation by the state or its political subdivisions, except for inheritance, transfer and estate taxes, and except to the extent the interest may be included within the measure of corporate privilege taxes imposed pursuant to state law. Acts 1989, ch. 190, § 5.
(a) Bonds issued by the state funding board pursuant to title 9, chapter 9, or by the Tennessee state school bond authority pursuant to chapter 3, part 12 of this title, may be designated by the appropriate issuer as college savings bonds and issued in accordance with this part.
(b) College savings bonds and the interest on the bonds shall be free from all taxation by the state or its political subdivisions, except for inheritance, transfer and estate taxes, and except to the extent the interest may be included within the measure of corporate privilege taxes imposed pursuant to state law.
Acts 1989, ch. 190, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-313 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-313
Educational access for children of military families
Status: in_force

This state, and each school district and public school of this state, shall remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves of their parents by extending the benefits and opportunities provided to children of active duty members of the uniformed services in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, codified in § 49-12-301 , to school-aged children in the household of a member of any reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including members of the Tennessee army and air national guard, who are enrolled in any of the grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12). Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 257, s 1, eff. 4/28/2023.
This state, and each school district and public school of this state, shall remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves of their parents by extending the benefits and opportunities provided to children of active duty members of the uniformed services in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, codified in § 49-12-301 , to school-aged children in the household of a member of any reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including members of the Tennessee army and air national guard, who are enrolled in any of the grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12).
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 257, s 1, eff. 4/28/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-408 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-408
Nonprofit corporation for administrative services
Status: in_force

(a) The trustees are authorized to create a nonprofit corporation in accordance with the Tennessee Nonprofit Corporation Act, compiled in title 48, chapters 51-68, and after such incorporation, to apply for tax exempt status under 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) . (b) The corporation has all the rights and powers of a nonprofit corporation under the Tennessee Nonprofit Corporation Act, and has such powers as are necessary to carry out the intent of this part, including, but not limited to, the solicitation of contributions and disbursement of funds. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 379,s 9, eff. 5/10/2019. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 654,s 10, eff. 4/9/2018. Acts 1988, ch. 624, § 2.
(a) The trustees are authorized to create a nonprofit corporation in accordance with the Tennessee Nonprofit Corporation Act, compiled in title 48, chapters 51-68, and after such incorporation, to apply for tax exempt status under 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) .
(b) The corporation has all the rights and powers of a nonprofit corporation under the Tennessee Nonprofit Corporation Act, and has such powers as are necessary to carry out the intent of this part, including, but not limited to, the solicitation of contributions and disbursement of funds.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 379,s 9, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 654,s 10, eff. 4/9/2018.
Acts 1988, ch. 624, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-802 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-802
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Employee organization" means any organization with membership open to teachers in which the teachers participate and that exists for the purpose, in whole or in part, of representing teachers' interest to boards of education of local public school systems; (2) "Local school system" or "system" means any local public school system, as defined in § 49-1-103 ; (3) "Member" or "participant" means any teacher who has joined the bank by making the initial donation of the minimum number of days necessary and has donated the subsequently assessed days; (4) "Sick leave" means a designated amount of compensation leave accumulated pursuant to § 49-5-710 that is to be granted to a member who, through personal illness, injury, disability or quarantine, is unable to perform the duties of the teaching position. Sick leave may not be granted for the period of disability when moneys are paid to the member under the Workers' Compensation Law under title 50, chapter 6, part 2; (5) "Sick leave bank" or "bank" means a local system accounting of voluntarily pooled and irrevocably donated accumulated personal sick leave that is collected for the purpose of providing sick leave to members of the program who have suffered an unplanned personal illness, injury, disability or quarantine and whose personal sick leave is exhausted; (6) "Sick leave bank trustees" or "trustees" means those persons appointed to administer a local school system sick leave bank; and (7) "Teacher" means all persons entitled to sick leave under § 49-5-710 . Acts 1981, ch. 283, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-56-102.
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Employee organization" means any organization with membership open to teachers in which the teachers participate and that exists for the purpose, in whole or in part, of representing teachers' interest to boards of education of local public school systems;
(2) "Local school system" or "system" means any local public school system, as defined in § 49-1-103 ;
(3) "Member" or "participant" means any teacher who has joined the bank by making the initial donation of the minimum number of days necessary and has donated the subsequently assessed days;
(4) "Sick leave" means a designated amount of compensation leave accumulated pursuant to § 49-5-710 that is to be granted to a member who, through personal illness, injury, disability or quarantine, is unable to perform the duties of the teaching position. Sick leave may not be granted for the period of disability when moneys are paid to the member under the Workers' Compensation Law under title 50, chapter 6, part 2;
(5) "Sick leave bank" or "bank" means a local system accounting of voluntarily pooled and irrevocably donated accumulated personal sick leave that is collected for the purpose of providing sick leave to members of the program who have suffered an unplanned personal illness, injury, disability or quarantine and whose personal sick leave is exhausted;
(6) "Sick leave bank trustees" or "trustees" means those persons appointed to administer a local school system sick leave bank; and
(7) "Teacher" means all persons entitled to sick leave under § 49-5-710 .
Acts 1981, ch. 283, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-56-102.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-8-304 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 49-8-304
Judicial review
Status: in_force

(a) A faculty member who has been awarded tenure and who has been dismissed or suspended for cause may obtain de novo judicial review of the final decision by filing a petition in a chancery court having jurisdiction within thirty (30) days of the final decision and copies of the petition shall be served upon the board and all parties of record. (b) Within forty-five (45) days after service of the petition, or within such further time allowed by the court, the board of regents or the state university board shall transmit to the court the original or a certified copy of the entire record of the proceeding. (c) The chancellor shall reduce the chancellor's findings of fact and conclusions of law to writing and make them parts of the record. (d) The chancellor may award back pay in the event a determination is made that dismissal was not appropriate. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 869,s 25, eff. 7/1/2016. Acts 1976, ch. 839, § 5; 1981, ch. 449, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-3258; Acts 2000, ch. 588, § 1; 2012, ch. 933, § 1.
(a) A faculty member who has been awarded tenure and who has been dismissed or suspended for cause may obtain de novo judicial review of the final decision by filing a petition in a chancery court having jurisdiction within thirty (30) days of the final decision and copies of the petition shall be served upon the board and all parties of record.
(b) Within forty-five (45) days after service of the petition, or within such further time allowed by the court, the board of regents or the state university board shall transmit to the court the original or a certified copy of the entire record of the proceeding.
(c) The chancellor shall reduce the chancellor's findings of fact and conclusions of law to writing and make them parts of the record.
(d) The chancellor may award back pay in the event a determination is made that dismissal was not appropriate.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 869,s 25, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 1976, ch. 839, § 5; 1981, ch. 449, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-3258; Acts 2000, ch. 588, § 1; 2012, ch. 933, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-704 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-704
Right of parents and guardians to inspect their children's educational records - Model student records policy for LEAs
Status: in_force

(a) Parents and guardians have the right to inspect and review their children's education records maintained by the school. (b) Parents and guardians have the right to request student data specific to their children's educational records. (c) LEAs shall provide parents or guardians with a copy of their children's educational records upon request. (d) (1) The department shall develop a model student records policy for LEAs that requires an LEA to: (A) Annually notify parents and guardians of their right to request student information; (B) Ensure security when providing student data to parents or guardians; (C) Ensure student data is provided only to authorized individuals; (D) Set the timeframe within which record requests must be provided; and (E) Consider implementation of a plan to allow parents and guardians to view online, download, and transmit data specific to their children's educational records. (2) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.] Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 686, s 2, eff. 3/28/2022. Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 905, s 6, eff. 7/1/2014.
(a) Parents and guardians have the right to inspect and review their children's education records maintained by the school.
(b) Parents and guardians have the right to request student data specific to their children's educational records.
(c) LEAs shall provide parents or guardians with a copy of their children's educational records upon request.
(d) (1) The department shall develop a model student records policy for LEAs that requires an LEA to: (A) Annually notify parents and guardians of their right to request student information; (B) Ensure security when providing student data to parents or guardians; (C) Ensure student data is provided only to authorized individuals; (D) Set the timeframe within which record requests must be provided; and (E) Consider implementation of a plan to allow parents and guardians to view online, download, and transmit data specific to their children's educational records. (2) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.]
(1) The department shall develop a model student records policy for LEAs that requires an LEA to: (A) Annually notify parents and guardians of their right to request student information; (B) Ensure security when providing student data to parents or guardians; (C) Ensure student data is provided only to authorized individuals; (D) Set the timeframe within which record requests must be provided; and (E) Consider implementation of a plan to allow parents and guardians to view online, download, and transmit data specific to their children's educational records.
(A) Annually notify parents and guardians of their right to request student information;
(B) Ensure security when providing student data to parents or guardians;
(C) Ensure student data is provided only to authorized individuals;
(D) Set the timeframe within which record requests must be provided; and
(E) Consider implementation of a plan to allow parents and guardians to view online, download, and transmit data specific to their children's educational records.
(2) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.]
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 686, s 2, eff. 3/28/2022.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 905, s 6, eff. 7/1/2014.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-7004 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-7004
Parental involvement contracts
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section, "parent" means the parent, guardian or person who has custody of the child or individual who has caregiving authority under § 49-6-3001 . (b) LEAs are encouraged to develop and implement parental involvement contracts with parents of students. These parental involvement contracts will be voluntary and should be designed to encourage and facilitate a parent's involvement with the parent's child's education. (c) The department of education shall develop a model parental involvement contract that may be used by LEAs. The model parental involvement contract shall provide that a parent will commit to do at least the following: (1) Review homework assignments and offer assistance when needed; (2) Sign report cards; (3) Ensure that the student gets to school each day, on time and ready to learn; (4) Demonstrate interest in the student's well-being by attending school functions and supporting the student's school activities; and (5) Make every effort to attend parent-teacher conferences. (d) In signing a contract, the parent shall agree to maintain within the parent's best efforts involvement with the parent's child's education to the extent required by the contract. The contract should include a means for a parent to explain any obstacles that may prevent the parent from complying with the contract. If a contract includes an explanation of obstacles that may prevent the parent from complying with the contract, then school employees shall consider accessing possible resources to help overcome the obstacles identified. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 46, eff. 4/18/2018. Acts 2012 , ch. 762, § 1.
(a) As used in this section, "parent" means the parent, guardian or person who has custody of the child or individual who has caregiving authority under § 49-6-3001 .
(b) LEAs are encouraged to develop and implement parental involvement contracts with parents of students. These parental involvement contracts will be voluntary and should be designed to encourage and facilitate a parent's involvement with the parent's child's education.
(c) The department of education shall develop a model parental involvement contract that may be used by LEAs. The model parental involvement contract shall provide that a parent will commit to do at least the following: (1) Review homework assignments and offer assistance when needed; (2) Sign report cards; (3) Ensure that the student gets to school each day, on time and ready to learn; (4) Demonstrate interest in the student's well-being by attending school functions and supporting the student's school activities; and (5) Make every effort to attend parent-teacher conferences.
(1) Review homework assignments and offer assistance when needed;
(2) Sign report cards;
(3) Ensure that the student gets to school each day, on time and ready to learn;
(4) Demonstrate interest in the student's well-being by attending school functions and supporting the student's school activities; and
(5) Make every effort to attend parent-teacher conferences.
(d) In signing a contract, the parent shall agree to maintain within the parent's best efforts involvement with the parent's child's education to the extent required by the contract. The contract should include a means for a parent to explain any obstacles that may prevent the parent from complying with the contract. If a contract includes an explanation of obstacles that may prevent the parent from complying with the contract, then school employees shall consider accessing possible resources to help overcome the obstacles identified.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 46, eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 2012 , ch. 762, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-907 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-907
Early grades reading report
Status: in_force

The department of education shall annually submit to the education committee of the senate and the education committees of the house of representatives an early grades reading report. The reading report must include: (1) Statewide third grade reading scores; (2) The testing procedures used to evaluate reading proficiency; (3) The number of students retained in grades kindergarten through three (K-3); (4) The number of reading specialists in each LEA; (5) The types of reading intervention or enrichment programs offered in each LEA; and (6) Information on statewide reading initiatives. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 74, eff. 3/29/2021. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 84, eff. 5/10/2019. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 18, eff. 5/2/2019. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, Secs.s 24, s 25 eff. 4/17/2015. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 236, s 26, eff. 4/19/2013. Acts 2000, ch. 911, § 1; 2001, ch. 250, § 1; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (h), (i).
The department of education shall annually submit to the education committee of the senate and the education committees of the house of representatives an early grades reading report. The reading report must include:
(1) Statewide third grade reading scores;
(2) The testing procedures used to evaluate reading proficiency;
(3) The number of students retained in grades kindergarten through three (K-3);
(4) The number of reading specialists in each LEA;
(5) The types of reading intervention or enrichment programs offered in each LEA; and
(6) Information on statewide reading initiatives.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 74, eff. 3/29/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 84, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 18, eff. 5/2/2019.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, Secs.s 24, s 25 eff. 4/17/2015.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 236, s 26, eff. 4/19/2013.
Acts 2000, ch. 911, § 1; 2001, ch. 250, § 1; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (h), (i).
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-2001 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-2001
Legislative findings
Status: in_force

The general assembly finds that the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature Foundation, a 501(c)(3) corporation, serves and benefits this state and the students of its private and public colleges and universities by conducting educational programs on the legislative process and current public issues for college students, by providing them with opportunities for leadership in debate and discussion of such issues and by publishing research on public issues; and further, that the organization is directly related to the functions of government. Acts 1985, ch. 471, § 1.
The general assembly finds that the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature Foundation, a 501(c)(3) corporation, serves and benefits this state and the students of its private and public colleges and universities by conducting educational programs on the legislative process and current public issues for college students, by providing them with opportunities for leadership in debate and discussion of such issues and by publishing research on public issues; and further, that the organization is directly related to the functions of government.
Acts 1985, ch. 471, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-915 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-915
ASPIRE awards
Status: in_force

(a) To be eligible for an ASPIRE award, a student shall: (1) Be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship; and (2) Have an adjusted gross income attributable to the student that does not exceed thirty-six thousand dollars ($36,000). (b) The student shall receive the Tennessee HOPE scholarship award under § 49-4-914 and an ASPIRE award. Subject to the amounts appropriated by the general assembly, and any law relating to a shortfall in funds available for postsecondary financial assistance from the net proceeds of the state lottery, the ASPIRE award for full-time students shall be determined in accordance with § 4-51-111 and shall be set in the general appropriations act. Both the Tennessee HOPE scholarship and the ASPIRE award are subject to the amounts appropriated by the general assembly and any law relating to a shortfall in funds available for postsecondary financial assistance from the net proceeds of the state lottery. (c) The adjusted gross income attributable to the student shall be reviewed each academic year to determine continuing eligibility for the ASPIRE award. Acts 2003 , ch. 298, § 1; 2005, ch. 481, §§ 25, 29.
(a) To be eligible for an ASPIRE award, a student shall: (1) Be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship; and (2) Have an adjusted gross income attributable to the student that does not exceed thirty-six thousand dollars ($36,000).
(1) Be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship; and
(2) Have an adjusted gross income attributable to the student that does not exceed thirty-six thousand dollars ($36,000).
(b) The student shall receive the Tennessee HOPE scholarship award under § 49-4-914 and an ASPIRE award. Subject to the amounts appropriated by the general assembly, and any law relating to a shortfall in funds available for postsecondary financial assistance from the net proceeds of the state lottery, the ASPIRE award for full-time students shall be determined in accordance with § 4-51-111 and shall be set in the general appropriations act. Both the Tennessee HOPE scholarship and the ASPIRE award are subject to the amounts appropriated by the general assembly and any law relating to a shortfall in funds available for postsecondary financial assistance from the net proceeds of the state lottery.
(c) The adjusted gross income attributable to the student shall be reviewed each academic year to determine continuing eligibility for the ASPIRE award.
Acts 2003 , ch. 298, § 1; 2005, ch. 481, §§ 25, 29.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-1401 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 49-10-1401
Short title
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Individualized Education Act." Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 431,s 2, eff. 1/1/2016.
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Individualized Education Act."
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 431,s 2, eff. 1/1/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-13-127 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 13 / Section 49-13-127
Audits
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The comptroller of the treasury is authorized to audit any books and records, including internal school activity and cafeteria funds, of any charter school created under this chapter and by virtue of the statutes of this state when the audit is deemed necessary or appropriate by the comptroller of the treasury. The comptroller of the treasury shall have the full cooperation of officials of the charter school in the performance of the audit or audits. (2) (A) The comptroller of the treasury is authorized to audit all financial transactions of a CMO for any charter school created under this chapter and by virtue of the statutes of this state when the audit is deemed necessary or appropriate by the comptroller of the treasury. The comptroller of the treasury may appoint a certified public accountant or direct the department of audit to prepare the audit. The cost of the audit shall be paid by the CMO. The comptroller of the treasury shall have the full cooperation of officials of the CMO in the performance of the audit or audits. (B) All CMOs operating a charter school in this state shall file an annual financial report with the comptroller of the treasury detailing transactions between the CMO and any charter school operated by the CMO in this state. The report shall be: (i) For the fiscal year ending June 30; (ii) Filed in a form prescribed by the comptroller of the treasury; and (iii) Filed by the CMO with the comptroller of the treasury no later than August 31 of each year. (b) (1) The governing body of the charter school shall cause an annual audit to be made of the accounts and records, including internal school activity and cafeteria funds, of their school. The audits may be prepared by certified public accountants or by the department of audit. (2) The audit shall be completed as soon as practical after June 30 of each year and a copy of the audit shall be furnished to the local board of education, the commissioner of education and the comptroller of the treasury. (3) A CMO may comply with subdivision (b)(1) by submitting one (1) audit for all the charter schools operated in Tennessee by the CMO; provided, that such audit includes all information required under this section for each school. (c) The comptroller of the treasury, through the department of audit, shall be responsible for ensuring that the audits are prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and determining if the audits meet minimum audit standards and regulations, which shall be prescribed by the comptroller of the treasury. No audit may be accepted as meeting the requirements of this section until the audit has been approved by the comptroller of the treasury. In the event the governing body fails or refuses to have the audit prepared, then the comptroller of the treasury may appoint a certified public accountant or direct the department of audit to prepare the audit. The cost of the audit shall be paid by the governing body. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 768, s 1, eff. 4/19/2018. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 351, s 5, eff. 7/1/2013. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 326, s 12, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 2002, ch. 850, §28; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (ii).
(a) (1) The comptroller of the treasury is authorized to audit any books and records, including internal school activity and cafeteria funds, of any charter school created under this chapter and by virtue of the statutes of this state when the audit is deemed necessary or appropriate by the comptroller of the treasury. The comptroller of the treasury shall have the full cooperation of officials of the charter school in the performance of the audit or audits. (2) (A) The comptroller of the treasury is authorized to audit all financial transactions of a CMO for any charter school created under this chapter and by virtue of the statutes of this state when the audit is deemed necessary or appropriate by the comptroller of the treasury. The comptroller of the treasury may appoint a certified public accountant or direct the department of audit to prepare the audit. The cost of the audit shall be paid by the CMO. The comptroller of the treasury shall have the full cooperation of officials of the CMO in the performance of the audit or audits. (B) All CMOs operating a charter school in this state shall file an annual financial report with the comptroller of the treasury detailing transactions between the CMO and any charter school operated by the CMO in this state. The report shall be: (i) For the fiscal year ending June 30; (ii) Filed in a form prescribed by the comptroller of the treasury; and (iii) Filed by the CMO with the comptroller of the treasury no later than August 31 of each year.
(1) The comptroller of the treasury is authorized to audit any books and records, including internal school activity and cafeteria funds, of any charter school created under this chapter and by virtue of the statutes of this state when the audit is deemed necessary or appropriate by the comptroller of the treasury. The comptroller of the treasury shall have the full cooperation of officials of the charter school in the performance of the audit or audits.
(2) (A) The comptroller of the treasury is authorized to audit all financial transactions of a CMO for any charter school created under this chapter and by virtue of the statutes of this state when the audit is deemed necessary or appropriate by the comptroller of the treasury. The comptroller of the treasury may appoint a certified public accountant or direct the department of audit to prepare the audit. The cost of the audit shall be paid by the CMO. The comptroller of the treasury shall have the full cooperation of officials of the CMO in the performance of the audit or audits. (B) All CMOs operating a charter school in this state shall file an annual financial report with the comptroller of the treasury detailing transactions between the CMO and any charter school operated by the CMO in this state. The report shall be: (i) For the fiscal year ending June 30; (ii) Filed in a form prescribed by the comptroller of the treasury; and (iii) Filed by the CMO with the comptroller of the treasury no later than August 31 of each year.
(A) The comptroller of the treasury is authorized to audit all financial transactions of a CMO for any charter school created under this chapter and by virtue of the statutes of this state when the audit is deemed necessary or appropriate by the comptroller of the treasury. The comptroller of the treasury may appoint a certified public accountant or direct the department of audit to prepare the audit. The cost of the audit shall be paid by the CMO. The comptroller of the treasury shall have the full cooperation of officials of the CMO in the performance of the audit or audits.
(B) All CMOs operating a charter school in this state shall file an annual financial report with the comptroller of the treasury detailing transactions between the CMO and any charter school operated by the CMO in this state. The report shall be: (i) For the fiscal year ending June 30; (ii) Filed in a form prescribed by the comptroller of the treasury; and (iii) Filed by the CMO with the comptroller of the treasury no later than August 31 of each year.
(i) For the fiscal year ending June 30;
(ii) Filed in a form prescribed by the comptroller of the treasury; and
(iii) Filed by the CMO with the comptroller of the treasury no later than August 31 of each year.
(b) (1) The governing body of the charter school shall cause an annual audit to be made of the accounts and records, including internal school activity and cafeteria funds, of their school. The audits may be prepared by certified public accountants or by the department of audit. (2) The audit shall be completed as soon as practical after June 30 of each year and a copy of the audit shall be furnished to the local board of education, the commissioner of education and the comptroller of the treasury. (3) A CMO may comply with subdivision (b)(1) by submitting one (1) audit for all the charter schools operated in Tennessee by the CMO; provided, that such audit includes all information required under this section for each school.
(1) The governing body of the charter school shall cause an annual audit to be made of the accounts and records, including internal school activity and cafeteria funds, of their school. The audits may be prepared by certified public accountants or by the department of audit.
(2) The audit shall be completed as soon as practical after June 30 of each year and a copy of the audit shall be furnished to the local board of education, the commissioner of education and the comptroller of the treasury.
(3) A CMO may comply with subdivision (b)(1) by submitting one (1) audit for all the charter schools operated in Tennessee by the CMO; provided, that such audit includes all information required under this section for each school.
(c) The comptroller of the treasury, through the department of audit, shall be responsible for ensuring that the audits are prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and determining if the audits meet minimum audit standards and regulations, which shall be prescribed by the comptroller of the treasury. No audit may be accepted as meeting the requirements of this section until the audit has been approved by the comptroller of the treasury. In the event the governing body fails or refuses to have the audit prepared, then the comptroller of the treasury may appoint a certified public accountant or direct the department of audit to prepare the audit. The cost of the audit shall be paid by the governing body.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 768, s 1, eff. 4/19/2018.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 351, s 5, eff. 7/1/2013.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 326, s 12, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 2002, ch. 850, §28; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (ii).