Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-506 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-506
Local standards may apply
Status: in_force

The local board of education has the authority to set standards of employment or to maintain educational requirements of the personnel in service over and above those required by the state board of education whenever the board is in position to support the superior program; provided, that the requirements are general in their application. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 686, s 7, eff. 3/28/2022. Acts 1951, ch. 76, § 13 (Williams, § 2345.13); Acts 1961, ch. 226, § 1; 1963, ch. 236, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1405.
The local board of education has the authority to set standards of employment or to maintain educational requirements of the personnel in service over and above those required by the state board of education whenever the board is in position to support the superior program; provided, that the requirements are general in their application.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 686, s 7, eff. 3/28/2022.
Acts 1951, ch. 76, § 13 (Williams, § 2345.13); Acts 1961, ch. 226, § 1; 1963, ch. 236, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1405.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1002 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1002
Use of school time for athletics - Teacher salaries
Status: in_force

(a) It is unlawful for any president, principal or teacher of any educational institution under the control of the state board of education or any local board of education to dismiss the school or any group of students or pupils of the school for the purpose of permitting them to practice or play baseball, football, basketball or any other similar game within the regular school hours of any school day of the week, without written permission from the governing board of the institution. (b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude regular physical training lessons as a part of the daily program of the school. (c) A local education agency, local school board, school, educator, or employee or the employee's representative may not require a student to attend a school athletic event, or event related to participation on a school athletic team, if the event is on an official school holiday, observed day of worship, or religious holiday. The parent or legal guardian of a student participating in a school athletic event may provide written notice that the student will not be in attendance to the coach or administrator of the athletic event at least three (3) full school days prior to the event. Prior written notice to the coach or administrator of the school athletic event may not be required if the absence is due to an unforeseen emergency. (d) The salaries of the teachers are left to the discretion of and are to be set by the local board of education. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 260,s 1, eff. 5/2/2017. Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 36; Shan. Supp., § 1487a197; mod. Code 1932, § 2520; Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 116; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1915.
(a) It is unlawful for any president, principal or teacher of any educational institution under the control of the state board of education or any local board of education to dismiss the school or any group of students or pupils of the school for the purpose of permitting them to practice or play baseball, football, basketball or any other similar game within the regular school hours of any school day of the week, without written permission from the governing board of the institution.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude regular physical training lessons as a part of the daily program of the school.
(c) A local education agency, local school board, school, educator, or employee or the employee's representative may not require a student to attend a school athletic event, or event related to participation on a school athletic team, if the event is on an official school holiday, observed day of worship, or religious holiday. The parent or legal guardian of a student participating in a school athletic event may provide written notice that the student will not be in attendance to the coach or administrator of the athletic event at least three (3) full school days prior to the event. Prior written notice to the coach or administrator of the school athletic event may not be required if the absence is due to an unforeseen emergency.
(d) The salaries of the teachers are left to the discretion of and are to be set by the local board of education.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 260,s 1, eff. 5/2/2017.
Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 36; Shan. Supp., § 1487a197; mod. Code 1932, § 2520; Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 116; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1915.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-5604 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-5604
Clinical experiences required - Assignment to educator
Status: in_force

In order to gain experience in a school and demonstrate readiness for teaching, educator preparation providers shall require clinical experiences, including field experiences and clinical practice, as defined by the state board of education. During the clinical practice, each candidate shall be assigned to an effective educator for guidance, evaluation, and instruction. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1036,s 2, eff. 1/1/2019. Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 7, § 68.
In order to gain experience in a school and demonstrate readiness for teaching, educator preparation providers shall require clinical experiences, including field experiences and clinical practice, as defined by the state board of education. During the clinical practice, each candidate shall be assigned to an effective educator for guidance, evaluation, and instruction.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1036,s 2, eff. 1/1/2019.
Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 7, § 68.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-1207 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-1207
Powers of state regarding consolidation
Status: in_force

The department of education and the commissioner of education are vested with the following powers and duties respecting the consolidation of school systems as provided in this part: (1) Formulate recommended policies and practices for conducting the consolidation programs; (2) Develop suggested methods of procedure and a manual as guides for use by the planning commissions; (3) Provide professional assistance in consolidation studies and development of consolidation proposals; (4) Appraise reports of studies made by the planning commissions and examine plans for consolidation, recommending changes or modifications where deemed desirable; and (5) Afford financial assistance that may be required by counties in effecting consolidation, within the limits of funds available for such purposes. Acts 1963, ch. 246, § 13; T.C.A., § 49-428.
The department of education and the commissioner of education are vested with the following powers and duties respecting the consolidation of school systems as provided in this part:
(1) Formulate recommended policies and practices for conducting the consolidation programs;
(2) Develop suggested methods of procedure and a manual as guides for use by the planning commissions;
(3) Provide professional assistance in consolidation studies and development of consolidation proposals;
(4) Appraise reports of studies made by the planning commissions and examine plans for consolidation, recommending changes or modifications where deemed desirable; and
(5) Afford financial assistance that may be required by counties in effecting consolidation, within the limits of funds available for such purposes.
Acts 1963, ch. 246, § 13; T.C.A., § 49-428.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1005 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1005
Inclusion of religion for education purposes only - Adoption of policy regarding inclusion of religion in local curriculum - Publicly available syllabus - Revision of social studies standards
Status: in_force

(a) The inclusion of religion in textbooks, instructional materials, curriculum, or academic standards shall be for educational purposes only and shall not be used to proselytize or establish any religion or religious belief. (b) Prior to the 2016-2017 school year, each local school board shall adopt a policy regarding the appropriate inclusion of religion in local curriculum and instructional materials; provided, that an opportunity for public comment shall be provided by each local school board before adoption of the policy. (c) Each LEA shall make publicly available a syllabus for all grade six (6) through twelve (12) social studies, science, math, and English language arts courses. The syllabus shall at a minimum include: (1) A course calendar that includes standards, objectives, and topics covered; (2) Major assignments required and field trips; and (3) Procedures for parental access to instructional materials in accordance with § 49-6-7003 . (d) (1) The state board of education shall initiate a revision process for the social studies standards adopted in 2013. (2) The revision process shall be in accordance with § 49-1-313 . (3) The state board shall ensure that the revised standards do not promote religion and do not amount to indoctrination or proselytism. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 660, s 1, eff. 3/29/2016.
(a) The inclusion of religion in textbooks, instructional materials, curriculum, or academic standards shall be for educational purposes only and shall not be used to proselytize or establish any religion or religious belief.
(b) Prior to the 2016-2017 school year, each local school board shall adopt a policy regarding the appropriate inclusion of religion in local curriculum and instructional materials; provided, that an opportunity for public comment shall be provided by each local school board before adoption of the policy.
(c) Each LEA shall make publicly available a syllabus for all grade six (6) through twelve (12) social studies, science, math, and English language arts courses. The syllabus shall at a minimum include: (1) A course calendar that includes standards, objectives, and topics covered; (2) Major assignments required and field trips; and (3) Procedures for parental access to instructional materials in accordance with § 49-6-7003 .
(1) A course calendar that includes standards, objectives, and topics covered;
(2) Major assignments required and field trips; and
(3) Procedures for parental access to instructional materials in accordance with § 49-6-7003 .
(d) (1) The state board of education shall initiate a revision process for the social studies standards adopted in 2013. (2) The revision process shall be in accordance with § 49-1-313 . (3) The state board shall ensure that the revised standards do not promote religion and do not amount to indoctrination or proselytism.
(1) The state board of education shall initiate a revision process for the social studies standards adopted in 2013.
(2) The revision process shall be in accordance with § 49-1-313 .
(3) The state board shall ensure that the revised standards do not promote religion and do not amount to indoctrination or proselytism.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 660, s 1, eff. 3/29/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-364 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-364
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023. Acts 2012 , ch. 830, § 1.
Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 2012 , ch. 830, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-801 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 49-10-801
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 35, eff. 4/11/2019. Code 1858, §§ 1565, 1567, 1569-1571, 1573 (deriv. Acts 1845-1846, ch. 157, § 5); Acts 1859-1860, ch. 19, § 1; 1859-1860, ch. 123, §§ 3, 4; 1870, ch. 54, § 10; 1871, ch. 121, § 1; 1877, ch. 49, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1915, ch. 20, §§ 5, 9, 12; Shan., §§ 2643, 2645, 2647, 2648, 2650, 2651, 2653, 2654, 2658; impl. am. Acts 1919, ch. 39, § 2; impl. am. Acts 1923, ch. 7, § 42; mod. Code 1932, §§ 4535, 4536, 4538-4543, 4546; impl. am. Acts 1947, ch. 113, §§ 1, 2; C. Supp. 1950, § 4538; Acts 1953, ch. 54, § 1; modified; Acts 1955, ch. 298, § 1; 1972, ch. 469, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-3001, 49-3002, 49-3004 -- 49-3011; Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 6, §§ 21, 22.
Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 35, eff. 4/11/2019.
Code 1858, §§ 1565, 1567, 1569-1571, 1573 (deriv. Acts 1845-1846, ch. 157, § 5); Acts 1859-1860, ch. 19, § 1; 1859-1860, ch. 123, §§ 3, 4; 1870, ch. 54, § 10; 1871, ch. 121, § 1; 1877, ch. 49, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1915, ch. 20, §§ 5, 9, 12; Shan., §§ 2643, 2645, 2647, 2648, 2650, 2651, 2653, 2654, 2658; impl. am. Acts 1919, ch. 39, § 2; impl. am. Acts 1923, ch. 7, § 42; mod. Code 1932, §§ 4535, 4536, 4538-4543, 4546; impl. am. Acts 1947, ch. 113, §§ 1, 2; C. Supp. 1950, § 4538; Acts 1953, ch. 54, § 1; modified; Acts 1955, ch. 298, § 1; 1972, ch. 469, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-3001, 49-3002, 49-3004 -- 49-3011; Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 6, §§ 21, 22.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3110 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-3110
[Repealed] Reserved
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, s 31, eff. 5/25/2021. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, Secs.s 41, s 42 eff. 4/18/2018. Acts 1973, ch. 266, §§ 1-5; 1974, ch. 654, § 113; T.C.A., §§ 49-1773 -- 49-1777; Acts 1990, ch. 1024, § 25.
Repealed by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, s 31, eff. 5/25/2021.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, Secs.s 41, s 42 eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 1973, ch. 266, §§ 1-5; 1974, ch. 654, § 113; T.C.A., §§ 49-1773 -- 49-1777; Acts 1990, ch. 1024, § 25.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2119 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-2119
Policy for parents to view photographs or video footage from cameras on school buses
Status: in_force

(a) A local board of education shall adopt a policy that establishes a process to allow a parent of a student to view photographs or video footage collected from a camera or video camera installed inside a school bus if the local education agency (LEA) has one (1) or more school buses operating in the LEA with a camera or video camera installed inside a school bus that is used to transport students to and from school or school-sponsored activities. (b) The policy must require that photographs or video footage be viewed under the supervision of the director of schools or a school official designated by the director of schools. The policy must comply with § 10-7-504 , the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ( 20 U.S.C. § 1232g ), and other relevant state or federal privacy laws. The policy must establish the duration for which an LEA must maintain photographs or video footage collected from a camera or video camera installed inside a school bus. (c) Nothing in this section requires a local board of education to purchase camera or video recording equipment for school buses that operate within the LEA. (d) As used in this section, "parent" means the parent, guardian, person who has custody of the child, or individual who has caregiving authority under § 49-6-3001 . Acts 2019, ch. 256, § 1.
(a) A local board of education shall adopt a policy that establishes a process to allow a parent of a student to view photographs or video footage collected from a camera or video camera installed inside a school bus if the local education agency (LEA) has one (1) or more school buses operating in the LEA with a camera or video camera installed inside a school bus that is used to transport students to and from school or school-sponsored activities.
(b) The policy must require that photographs or video footage be viewed under the supervision of the director of schools or a school official designated by the director of schools. The policy must comply with § 10-7-504 , the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ( 20 U.S.C. § 1232g ), and other relevant state or federal privacy laws. The policy must establish the duration for which an LEA must maintain photographs or video footage collected from a camera or video camera installed inside a school bus.
(c) Nothing in this section requires a local board of education to purchase camera or video recording equipment for school buses that operate within the LEA.
(d) As used in this section, "parent" means the parent, guardian, person who has custody of the child, or individual who has caregiving authority under § 49-6-3001 .
Acts 2019, ch. 256, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2502 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-2502
"In God We Trust" national motto to be displayed in prominent school location
Status: in_force

(a) Beginning in the 2018-2019 school year, an LEA shall require all schools within the LEA to display the national motto of the United States, "In God We Trust," in a prominent location in each school. (b) The display required in subsection (a) may take the form of, but is not limited to, a mounted plaque or student artwork. (c) For purposes of this section, "prominent location" means a school entry way, cafeteria, or common area where students are likely to see the national motto display. Acts 2018, ch. 640, § 1.
(a) Beginning in the 2018-2019 school year, an LEA shall require all schools within the LEA to display the national motto of the United States, "In God We Trust," in a prominent location in each school.
(b) The display required in subsection (a) may take the form of, but is not limited to, a mounted plaque or student artwork.
(c) For purposes of this section, "prominent location" means a school entry way, cafeteria, or common area where students are likely to see the national motto display.
Acts 2018, ch. 640, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-203 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-203
Schools within commission's jurisdiction - Contracts with private schools
Status: in_force

(a) The commission's studies and recommendations shall encompass the programs and authorities of the University of Tennessee, Tennessee Technological University, Austin Peay State University, Tennessee State University, the University of Memphis, East Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, the community colleges and the state's colleges of applied technology. (b) (1) The commission shall consider Tennessee's private institutions of higher education in its continuous studies of the immediate and future needs of the state in the area of higher education. (2) These studies shall consider the place of the private institutions in relation to the public institutions. (3) If these studies show that accredited private institutions in this state can provide either the facility or program needs of the state, the commission is authorized to contract with accredited private institutions in this state for the provision of those educational programs and facilities that will serve to meet the needs of the people of the state. Acts 1967, ch. 179, § 4; impl. am. Acts 1969, ch. 302, § 1; 1978, ch. 670, § 1; 1978, ch. 907, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-4204, 49-4214; Acts 1994, ch. 538, § 2.
(a) The commission's studies and recommendations shall encompass the programs and authorities of the University of Tennessee, Tennessee Technological University, Austin Peay State University, Tennessee State University, the University of Memphis, East Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, the community colleges and the state's colleges of applied technology.
(b) (1) The commission shall consider Tennessee's private institutions of higher education in its continuous studies of the immediate and future needs of the state in the area of higher education. (2) These studies shall consider the place of the private institutions in relation to the public institutions. (3) If these studies show that accredited private institutions in this state can provide either the facility or program needs of the state, the commission is authorized to contract with accredited private institutions in this state for the provision of those educational programs and facilities that will serve to meet the needs of the people of the state.
(1) The commission shall consider Tennessee's private institutions of higher education in its continuous studies of the immediate and future needs of the state in the area of higher education.
(2) These studies shall consider the place of the private institutions in relation to the public institutions.
(3) If these studies show that accredited private institutions in this state can provide either the facility or program needs of the state, the commission is authorized to contract with accredited private institutions in this state for the provision of those educational programs and facilities that will serve to meet the needs of the people of the state.
Acts 1967, ch. 179, § 4; impl. am. Acts 1969, ch. 302, § 1; 1978, ch. 670, § 1; 1978, ch. 907, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-4204, 49-4214; Acts 1994, ch. 538, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-13-125 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 13 / Section 49-13-125
Immunity
Status: in_force

The governing body of a charter school shall be subject to the same limits of liability as local school systems and shall provide insurance in accordance with § 49-13-107 for any liability exposure. Acts 2002, ch. 850, § 26.
The governing body of a charter school shall be subject to the same limits of liability as local school systems and shall provide insurance in accordance with § 49-13-107 for any liability exposure.
Acts 2002, ch. 850, § 26.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-1603 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-1603
Public notice of proposed tuition and mandatory fee increase
Status: in_force

(a) At least fifteen (15) days prior to holding a meeting to adopt an increase in tuition and mandatory fees, a board shall give public notice of the proposed tuition and mandatory fee increase as an action item on the board's meeting agenda. Individuals shall be permitted to provide comments during the fifteen-day period. The public notice of the proposed tuition and mandatory fee increase shall, at a minimum, include: (1) An explanation for the proposed tuition and mandatory fee increase; (2) A statement specifying the purposes for which revenue derived from the tuition and mandatory fee increase will be used; and (3) A description of the efforts to mitigate the effect of the tuition and mandatory fee increase on students. (b) (1) By January 1, 2019, each board shall develop a list of factors that shall be considered when developing recommendations to increase tuition and mandatory fees. The factors shall include, at a minimum, the level of state support; total cost of attendance; and efforts to mitigate the financial effect on students. (2) Each state university and each campus in the University of Tennessee system shall post on its website a summary of the recommendations pursuant to subdivision (b)(1). Added by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 614,s 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
(a) At least fifteen (15) days prior to holding a meeting to adopt an increase in tuition and mandatory fees, a board shall give public notice of the proposed tuition and mandatory fee increase as an action item on the board's meeting agenda. Individuals shall be permitted to provide comments during the fifteen-day period. The public notice of the proposed tuition and mandatory fee increase shall, at a minimum, include: (1) An explanation for the proposed tuition and mandatory fee increase; (2) A statement specifying the purposes for which revenue derived from the tuition and mandatory fee increase will be used; and (3) A description of the efforts to mitigate the effect of the tuition and mandatory fee increase on students.
(1) An explanation for the proposed tuition and mandatory fee increase;
(2) A statement specifying the purposes for which revenue derived from the tuition and mandatory fee increase will be used; and
(3) A description of the efforts to mitigate the effect of the tuition and mandatory fee increase on students.
(b) (1) By January 1, 2019, each board shall develop a list of factors that shall be considered when developing recommendations to increase tuition and mandatory fees. The factors shall include, at a minimum, the level of state support; total cost of attendance; and efforts to mitigate the financial effect on students. (2) Each state university and each campus in the University of Tennessee system shall post on its website a summary of the recommendations pursuant to subdivision (b)(1).
(1) By January 1, 2019, each board shall develop a list of factors that shall be considered when developing recommendations to increase tuition and mandatory fees. The factors shall include, at a minimum, the level of state support; total cost of attendance; and efforts to mitigate the financial effect on students.
(2) Each state university and each campus in the University of Tennessee system shall post on its website a summary of the recommendations pursuant to subdivision (b)(1).
Added by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 614,s 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-4201 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-4201
Short title
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "School Security Act of 1981." Acts 1981, ch. 368, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-9-401 .
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "School Security Act of 1981."
Acts 1981, ch. 368, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-9-401 .
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-208 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 49-10-208
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 18, eff. 4/11/2019. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 767,s 14, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1972, ch. 839, § 4; T.C.A., § 49-2928.
Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 18, eff. 4/11/2019.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 767,s 14, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1972, ch. 839, § 4; T.C.A., § 49-2928.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2305 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-2305
Reserve fund
Status: in_force

(a) Each LEA that operates a child nutrition program may maintain a three-month reserve fund for operating expenses. The revenue for the reserve fund shall come from the unexpended balance of the program. (b) The LEA shall project the reserve fund for the child nutrition program at its annual budgetary planning meeting. LEAs can recover indirect costs only from the reserve fund that exceeds three (3) months' operating expenses. Acts 1991, ch. 163, § 1.
(a) Each LEA that operates a child nutrition program may maintain a three-month reserve fund for operating expenses. The revenue for the reserve fund shall come from the unexpended balance of the program.
(b) The LEA shall project the reserve fund for the child nutrition program at its annual budgetary planning meeting. LEAs can recover indirect costs only from the reserve fund that exceeds three (3) months' operating expenses.
Acts 1991, ch. 163, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-324 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-324
Loan for transportation services
Status: in_force

In any fiscal year in which an LEA is unable to operate, or to continue to operate, transportation services with available funds, the LEA may request a loan from any county or municipal fund that has sufficient anticipated end of year fund balance to finance the loan during the fiscal year, or from the state, in an amount adequate to operate transportation services for the school year. The loan must be approved by the county legislative body if a county board of education makes the request, or the municipal legislative body if a municipal board of education makes the request, and the comptroller of the treasury or the comptroller's designee, in either case. The loan shall be with interest at the formula rate pursuant to § 47-14-105 . The loan, both principal and interest, shall be repaid from the school operating funds of the LEA in the next fiscal year. If the state makes the loan and principal and interest are not repaid by the end of the fiscal year in which repayment is due, then the state shall withhold the amount due from state-shared revenue that would otherwise be distributed to the county, municipality or special school district. Acts 1992, ch. 927, § 1; 2010 , ch. 868, § 78.
In any fiscal year in which an LEA is unable to operate, or to continue to operate, transportation services with available funds, the LEA may request a loan from any county or municipal fund that has sufficient anticipated end of year fund balance to finance the loan during the fiscal year, or from the state, in an amount adequate to operate transportation services for the school year. The loan must be approved by the county legislative body if a county board of education makes the request, or the municipal legislative body if a municipal board of education makes the request, and the comptroller of the treasury or the comptroller's designee, in either case. The loan shall be with interest at the formula rate pursuant to § 47-14-105 . The loan, both principal and interest, shall be repaid from the school operating funds of the LEA in the next fiscal year. If the state makes the loan and principal and interest are not repaid by the end of the fiscal year in which repayment is due, then the state shall withhold the amount due from state-shared revenue that would otherwise be distributed to the county, municipality or special school district.
Acts 1992, ch. 927, § 1; 2010 , ch. 868, § 78.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-405 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-405
Program director and waste audit engineers for industrial services center
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any law, regulation or personnel policy to the contrary, the following positions are authorized and established in the Center for Industrial Services: (1) One (1) program director; and (2) Two (2) waste audit engineers. (b) The program director shall be located in Knoxville, to establish and manage the program established in § 49-9-403(b) . One (1) waste audit engineer shall be assigned to work in the middle Tennessee area and one (1) waste audit engineer shall be assigned to work in the west Tennessee area. Appropriate travel expenses and support personnel shall be provided for all positions created in subsection (a). Acts 1986, ch. 917, § 2.
(a) Notwithstanding any law, regulation or personnel policy to the contrary, the following positions are authorized and established in the Center for Industrial Services: (1) One (1) program director; and (2) Two (2) waste audit engineers.
(1) One (1) program director; and
(2) Two (2) waste audit engineers.
(b) The program director shall be located in Knoxville, to establish and manage the program established in § 49-9-403(b) . One (1) waste audit engineer shall be assigned to work in the middle Tennessee area and one (1) waste audit engineer shall be assigned to work in the west Tennessee area. Appropriate travel expenses and support personnel shall be provided for all positions created in subsection (a).
Acts 1986, ch. 917, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-153 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-153
Interest and career inventories
Status: in_force

An interest inventory such as the Kuder assessment, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality inventory, the ASVAB or other interest or career exploration inventory shall be available to all public postsecondary students beginning in their freshman year as a follow up to the interest inventory available to all public middle schoolers or ninth graders and to further assist students in determining their interests and in making career decisions. Summary data obtained from the interest inventories and personality profiles administered under this section shall be sent annually by the postsecondary institutions to the state board of education. The state board shall consider the data in making decisions concerning curricula for public school students that is relevant to their career decisions and academic strengths and weaknesses. Acts 2012, ch. 918, § 2.
An interest inventory such as the Kuder assessment, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality inventory, the ASVAB or other interest or career exploration inventory shall be available to all public postsecondary students beginning in their freshman year as a follow up to the interest inventory available to all public middle schoolers or ninth graders and to further assist students in determining their interests and in making career decisions. Summary data obtained from the interest inventories and personality profiles administered under this section shall be sent annually by the postsecondary institutions to the state board of education. The state board shall consider the data in making decisions concerning curricula for public school students that is relevant to their career decisions and academic strengths and weaknesses.
Acts 2012, ch. 918, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-1001 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-1001
Purpose
Status: in_force

The purpose of this part is to protect and maintain the integrity of current prioritization and strategic planning processes established to best use limited state funds for public higher education toward greatest need and opportunity and to ensure prudent fiscal policy. Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 538,s 1, eff. 3/17/2014.
The purpose of this part is to protect and maintain the integrity of current prioritization and strategic planning processes established to best use limited state funds for public higher education toward greatest need and opportunity and to ensure prudent fiscal policy.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 538,s 1, eff. 3/17/2014.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-106 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-106
Conflicts of interest
Status: in_force

It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person employed under this part to engage in the business of soliciting or selling any fertilizer, seed, farm machinery or any other merchandise to the people of the county or counties where they are so employed. Acts 1929, ch. 81, § 7a; Code 1932, § 2548; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-3408; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
It is a Class C misdemeanor for any person employed under this part to engage in the business of soliciting or selling any fertilizer, seed, farm machinery or any other merchandise to the people of the county or counties where they are so employed.
Acts 1929, ch. 81, § 7a; Code 1932, § 2548; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-3408; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1511 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1511
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 932, s 1, eff. 4/29/2022. Added by 2021EX1 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1, s 1, eff. 2/3/2021.
Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 932, s 1, eff. 4/29/2022.
Added by 2021EX1 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1, s 1, eff. 2/3/2021.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-8-202 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 49-8-202
Chief executive officer - Staff
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The board of regents is empowered to employ a chief executive officer of the board of regents whose office shall be located in Nashville. (2) The board shall define the chief executive officer's duties, and within budgetary limitations, fix the chief executive officer's compensation. (3) The chief executive officer shall serve at the pleasure of the board and shall have educational preparation and experience that qualify the chief executive officer for leadership of a large complex system of public higher education. (b) The board or its designated representative is empowered to employ additional professional and staff employees as may be appropriate for the efficient discharge of its duties. (c) All reimbursement for travel expenses shall be in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 869,s 20, eff. 7/1/2016. Acts 1972, ch. 838, § 3; 1976, ch. 806, § 1(70); T.C.A., § 49-3238.
(a) (1) The board of regents is empowered to employ a chief executive officer of the board of regents whose office shall be located in Nashville. (2) The board shall define the chief executive officer's duties, and within budgetary limitations, fix the chief executive officer's compensation. (3) The chief executive officer shall serve at the pleasure of the board and shall have educational preparation and experience that qualify the chief executive officer for leadership of a large complex system of public higher education.
(1) The board of regents is empowered to employ a chief executive officer of the board of regents whose office shall be located in Nashville.
(2) The board shall define the chief executive officer's duties, and within budgetary limitations, fix the chief executive officer's compensation.
(3) The chief executive officer shall serve at the pleasure of the board and shall have educational preparation and experience that qualify the chief executive officer for leadership of a large complex system of public higher education.
(b) The board or its designated representative is empowered to employ additional professional and staff employees as may be appropriate for the efficient discharge of its duties.
(c) All reimbursement for travel expenses shall be in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 869,s 20, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 1972, ch. 838, § 3; 1976, ch. 806, § 1(70); T.C.A., § 49-3238.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-901 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-901
General provisions
Status: in_force

(a) There is created and established by the state a campus of the University of Tennessee in Hamilton County, to be known as the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. (b) The trustees of the University of Tennessee are given the same 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 at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as the trustees now have and exercise at the other colleges and schools of the University of Tennessee. Acts 1968, ch. 447, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-3350.
(a) There is created and established by the state a campus of the University of Tennessee in Hamilton County, to be known as the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
(b) The trustees of the University of Tennessee are given the same 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 at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as the trustees now have and exercise at the other colleges and schools of the University of Tennessee.
Acts 1968, ch. 447, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-3350.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-111 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 49-10-111
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 13, eff. 4/11/2019. Acts 1972, ch. 839, § 10; 1978, ch. 574, § 7; T.C.A., § 49-2954; Acts 1994, ch. 768, § 2.
Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 13, eff. 4/11/2019.
Acts 1972, ch. 839, § 10; 1978, ch. 574, § 7; T.C.A., § 49-2954; Acts 1994, ch. 768, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-13-134 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 13 / Section 49-13-134
Establishment of non-charter public schools of innovation
Status: in_force

LEAs in which there exist charter schools or in which charter schools are proposed to be created are strongly encouraged to establish non-charter public schools of innovation using federal funding that is available for such purpose. Such non-charter public schools shall be designed to function as a control group to enable the effectiveness of charter schools to be more adequately assessed through comparative evaluations. Acts 2009, ch. 555, § 20.
LEAs in which there exist charter schools or in which charter schools are proposed to be created are strongly encouraged to establish non-charter public schools of innovation using federal funding that is available for such purpose. Such non-charter public schools shall be designed to function as a control group to enable the effectiveness of charter schools to be more adequately assessed through comparative evaluations.
Acts 2009, ch. 555, § 20.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-410 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-410
Teachers - Moonlighting
Status: in_force

(a) A teacher employed full time by any institution of public education, including higher education, may be employed and paid by the same or another institution for additional part-time work outside the teacher's regular hours, not to exceed fifteen (15) clock hours beyond the teacher's regular employment per week and not to exceed four hundred (400) clock hours out of any nine-month period. (b) If the additional part-time work is or includes teaching in an institution of higher education, the teacher shall be limited to teaching no more than two (2) courses per quarter or semester. (c) The employment must be approved by the governing board of each institution of public education. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248,s 42, eff. 5/2/2019. Acts 1973, ch. 205, § 1; 1976, ch. 445, § 1; 1977, ch. 234, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-1319.
(a) A teacher employed full time by any institution of public education, including higher education, may be employed and paid by the same or another institution for additional part-time work outside the teacher's regular hours, not to exceed fifteen (15) clock hours beyond the teacher's regular employment per week and not to exceed four hundred (400) clock hours out of any nine-month period.
(b) If the additional part-time work is or includes teaching in an institution of higher education, the teacher shall be limited to teaching no more than two (2) courses per quarter or semester.
(c) The employment must be approved by the governing board of each institution of public education.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248,s 42, eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 1973, ch. 205, § 1; 1976, ch. 445, § 1; 1977, ch. 234, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-1319.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-1007 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-1007
Special school district bonds - Adjustment in tax rate
Status: in_force

If any special school district has bonds outstanding payable from taxes levied by special act of the general assembly, and if at any time the amount on deposit in the special fund created solely for the purpose of paying principal of and interest on the bonds is equal to at least two hundred percent (200%) of the amount of the principal and interest coming due on the bonds in the next twelve (12) months next succeeding, excluding any portion of principal and interest budgeted at the beginning of each fiscal year to be paid from sales tax revenues, TISA funds, or a combination of sales tax revenues or TISA funds, hereinafter referred to as annual debt service requirements, the special district by resolution may, on or before September 1 of any year, certify to the county trustee the special school district tax rate, not to exceed the rate imposed by existing legislative act, necessary to raise the amount of taxes that must be collected in order to maintain the special fund during the succeeding year in an amount equal to at least two hundred percent (200%) of annual debt service requirements, and the county trustee shall collect only the taxes based on the rate so certified. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 31, eff. 7/1/2023. Acts 1971, ch. 220, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-721; Acts 1995, ch. 172, § 1.
If any special school district has bonds outstanding payable from taxes levied by special act of the general assembly, and if at any time the amount on deposit in the special fund created solely for the purpose of paying principal of and interest on the bonds is equal to at least two hundred percent (200%) of the amount of the principal and interest coming due on the bonds in the next twelve (12) months next succeeding, excluding any portion of principal and interest budgeted at the beginning of each fiscal year to be paid from sales tax revenues, TISA funds, or a combination of sales tax revenues or TISA funds, hereinafter referred to as annual debt service requirements, the special district by resolution may, on or before September 1 of any year, certify to the county trustee the special school district tax rate, not to exceed the rate imposed by existing legislative act, necessary to raise the amount of taxes that must be collected in order to maintain the special fund during the succeeding year in an amount equal to at least two hundred percent (200%) of annual debt service requirements, and the county trustee shall collect only the taxes based on the rate so certified.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 31, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 1971, ch. 220, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-721; Acts 1995, ch. 172, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-232 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-232
Computer science courses - Professional development program in computer science education - Incentives - Computer science education network
Status: in_force

To ensure that all students are fully prepared for the technological jobs of today and in the future, the department of education shall: (1) Provide, no later than the start of the 2023-2024 school year, computer science courses, including online options, in which public school students across the state may enroll at no charge to satisfy the requirements of § 49-6-1010 , if the courses are approved by the state board of education; (2) Subject to available funding, provide, at no charge to educators, a professional development program in computer science education for educators that includes professional learning modules that provide educators with the opportunity to learn and demonstrate competency in computer science by earning a micro-credential pursuant to § 49-1-302(k)(2) ; (3) Subject to available funding, provide incentives for schools and educators to offer high-quality professional development opportunities in computer science education to educators, and to offer high-quality computer science education to students; and (4) Create a computer science education network that may be integrated into the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) school designation and Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN) regional hubs. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 979, s 1, eff. 5/3/2022. Acts 2019, ch. 454, § 1.
To ensure that all students are fully prepared for the technological jobs of today and in the future, the department of education shall:
(1) Provide, no later than the start of the 2023-2024 school year, computer science courses, including online options, in which public school students across the state may enroll at no charge to satisfy the requirements of § 49-6-1010 , if the courses are approved by the state board of education;
(2) Subject to available funding, provide, at no charge to educators, a professional development program in computer science education for educators that includes professional learning modules that provide educators with the opportunity to learn and demonstrate competency in computer science by earning a micro-credential pursuant to § 49-1-302(k)(2) ;
(3) Subject to available funding, provide incentives for schools and educators to offer high-quality professional development opportunities in computer science education to educators, and to offer high-quality computer science education to students; and
(4) Create a computer science education network that may be integrated into the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) school designation and Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN) regional hubs.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 979, s 1, eff. 5/3/2022.
Acts 2019, ch. 454, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-11-403 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 49-11-403
Advisory committees
Status: in_force

The board of regents is authorized to appoint an advisory committee or committees, or a consultant or consultants, as the board may deem necessary, to advise the board in matters relating to the location, establishment and construction of state colleges of applied technology and on any other matters that the board may deem necessary in carrying out its duties under this part. Acts 1963, ch. 229, § 3; 1983, ch. 181, §§ 5, 6; T.C.A., § 49-2611; Acts 1994, ch. 685, § 3.
The board of regents is authorized to appoint an advisory committee or committees, or a consultant or consultants, as the board may deem necessary, to advise the board in matters relating to the location, establishment and construction of state colleges of applied technology and on any other matters that the board may deem necessary in carrying out its duties under this part.
Acts 1963, ch. 229, § 3; 1983, ch. 181, §§ 5, 6; T.C.A., § 49-2611; Acts 1994, ch. 685, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-8102 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-8102
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "AP" means the advanced placement program offered by the college board; (2) "Conditional entry" means a student has met the requirements of § 49-6-8103 , but the student is subject to completing existing academic requirements for admission into a specific program at the public four-year institution in which the student enrolls. A public four-year institution shall not impose additional course requirements beyond what is specified in § 49-6-8103 for general admission to the institution, except a student shall meet the required composite ACT score for general admission to the institution; and (3) "IB" means the international baccalaureate programme.
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "AP" means the advanced placement program offered by the college board;
(2) "Conditional entry" means a student has met the requirements of § 49-6-8103 , but the student is subject to completing existing academic requirements for admission into a specific program at the public four-year institution in which the student enrolls. A public four-year institution shall not impose additional course requirements beyond what is specified in § 49-6-8103 for general admission to the institution, except a student shall meet the required composite ACT score for general admission to the institution; and
(3) "IB" means the international baccalaureate programme.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-206 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-206
Service on state boards without loss of compensation or benefits
Status: in_force

(a) If any statute creating a state board, commission or committee specifies or authorizes a teacher or other certificated employee of an LEA to serve as a member, then any teacher or other certificated employee shall be eligible to serve on the state board, commission or committee without the loss of compensation, personal or professional leave, sick leave, compensatory time or any other benefit accorded to the teacher or employee as part of the teacher's or employee's employment as a teacher by the respective LEA. (b) This section applies to, but is not limited to, §§ 8-27-301 , 8-34-302 , 49-1-301 , and 49-6-2201 . (c) Any additional costs incurred by LEAs as a result of the implementation of subsection (a) shall be reimbursed from the funds apportioned as state-shared taxes to county and municipal governments, as set out in § 9-4-5301 . Acts 1993, ch. 487, § 1.
(a) If any statute creating a state board, commission or committee specifies or authorizes a teacher or other certificated employee of an LEA to serve as a member, then any teacher or other certificated employee shall be eligible to serve on the state board, commission or committee without the loss of compensation, personal or professional leave, sick leave, compensatory time or any other benefit accorded to the teacher or employee as part of the teacher's or employee's employment as a teacher by the respective LEA.
(b) This section applies to, but is not limited to, §§ 8-27-301 , 8-34-302 , 49-1-301 , and 49-6-2201 .
(c) Any additional costs incurred by LEAs as a result of the implementation of subsection (a) shall be reimbursed from the funds apportioned as state-shared taxes to county and municipal governments, as set out in § 9-4-5301 .
Acts 1993, ch. 487, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-226 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-226
Adoption of core standards in subjects beyond math and English language arts prohibited
Status: in_force

The state shall not adopt common core state standards in any subject matter beyond math and English language arts. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725,Secs.s14, s15 eff. 4/18/2018. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182,s 12, eff. 4/17/2015. Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 905,s 10, eff. 5/13/2014.
The state shall not adopt common core state standards in any subject matter beyond math and English language arts.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725,Secs.s14, s15 eff. 4/18/2018.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182,s 12, eff. 4/17/2015.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 905,s 10, eff. 5/13/2014.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-801 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-801
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 25, eff. 4/18/2018. Acts 1993, ch. 434, § 1.
Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 25, eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 1993, ch. 434, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-8-107 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 49-8-107
Fiscal procedures
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Austin Peay State University, East Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University, the University of Memphis, and, subject to prior approval of the commissioner of finance and administration and the comptroller of the treasury, the state colleges of applied technology and community colleges are authorized to maintain bank accounts in their own names and to draw vouchers and checks for their expenditures through their own disbursing officers to maintain their own fiscal procedure under rules prescribed by the board of regents and the state university boards. (2) The institutions shall furnish monthly statements of their requirements to the commissioner of finance and administration, who shall draw a state warrant for the expenditures. (b) The purpose of this section is to provide that the state institutions enumerated in subsection (a) shall enjoy the same privileges now enjoyed by the University of Tennessee under the direction and supervision of the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 869,s 9, eff. 7/1/2016. Acts 1949, ch. 32, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 255.24; impl. am. Acts 1957, ch. 4, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1961, ch. 97, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1963, ch. 67, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1965, ch. 30, §§ 1, 2; Acts 1965, ch. 346, § 1; 1968, ch. 458, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1969, ch. 302, § 1; Acts 1970, ch. 423, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 838, § 1; Acts 1973, ch. 80, § 3; 1973, ch. 144, § 1; 1975, ch. 140, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-3215; Acts 1994, ch. 538, § 2.
(a) (1) Austin Peay State University, East Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University, the University of Memphis, and, subject to prior approval of the commissioner of finance and administration and the comptroller of the treasury, the state colleges of applied technology and community colleges are authorized to maintain bank accounts in their own names and to draw vouchers and checks for their expenditures through their own disbursing officers to maintain their own fiscal procedure under rules prescribed by the board of regents and the state university boards. (2) The institutions shall furnish monthly statements of their requirements to the commissioner of finance and administration, who shall draw a state warrant for the expenditures.
(1) Austin Peay State University, East Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University, the University of Memphis, and, subject to prior approval of the commissioner of finance and administration and the comptroller of the treasury, the state colleges of applied technology and community colleges are authorized to maintain bank accounts in their own names and to draw vouchers and checks for their expenditures through their own disbursing officers to maintain their own fiscal procedure under rules prescribed by the board of regents and the state university boards.
(2) The institutions shall furnish monthly statements of their requirements to the commissioner of finance and administration, who shall draw a state warrant for the expenditures.
(b) The purpose of this section is to provide that the state institutions enumerated in subsection (a) shall enjoy the same privileges now enjoyed by the University of Tennessee under the direction and supervision of the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 869,s 9, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 1949, ch. 32, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 255.24; impl. am. Acts 1957, ch. 4, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1961, ch. 97, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1963, ch. 67, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1965, ch. 30, §§ 1, 2; Acts 1965, ch. 346, § 1; 1968, ch. 458, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1969, ch. 302, § 1; Acts 1970, ch. 423, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 838, § 1; Acts 1973, ch. 80, § 3; 1973, ch. 144, § 1; 1975, ch. 140, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-3215; Acts 1994, ch. 538, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1804 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1804
Discrimination based on religious content of student's written or oral assignments or submissions prohibited - Penalty or reward prohibited
Status: in_force

Students may express their written beliefs about religion in homework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments free from discrimination based on the religious content of the student's submissions. Homework and classroom assignments shall be judged by ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance and against other legitimate academic concerns identified by the LEA. Students may not be penalized or rewarded based on the religious content of the student's work. Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 654,s 2, eff. 4/10/2014.
Students may express their written beliefs about religion in homework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments free from discrimination based on the religious content of the student's submissions. Homework and classroom assignments shall be judged by ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance and against other legitimate academic concerns identified by the LEA. Students may not be penalized or rewarded based on the religious content of the student's work.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 654,s 2, eff. 4/10/2014.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2901 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2901
Legislative intent
Status: in_force

It is the intent and purpose of this part to promote and enhance the role of historically black colleges and universities located in this state as prime contributors to the economic growth of the state by encouraging the institutions to continue their efforts to organize a consortium for the purpose of strategically partnering with the state and private industry to effectively achieve superior economic development in this state. Acts 2003, ch. 324, § 1.
It is the intent and purpose of this part to promote and enhance the role of historically black colleges and universities located in this state as prime contributors to the economic growth of the state by encouraging the institutions to continue their efforts to organize a consortium for the purpose of strategically partnering with the state and private industry to effectively achieve superior economic development in this state.
Acts 2003, ch. 324, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-707 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-707
Pay while on leave
Status: in_force

The regularly employed teacher who is on leave authorized by § 49-5-701 , § 49-5-710 or § 49-5-711 shall receive the pay prescribed by the teacher's contract during such absence, but the right to receive such pay shall be subject to all the conditions set forth in §§ 49-5-701 , 49-5-710 and 49-5-711 . Acts 1955, ch. 136, § 18; 1957, ch. 75, § 1; 1959, ch. 93, § 1; 1967, ch. 396, § 1; 1968, ch. 420, §§ 1, 2; 1971, ch. 128, § 1; 1971, ch. 421, § 1; 1973, ch. 2, § 1; 1974, ch. 488, § 1; 1975, ch. 46, §§ 1, 2; 1975, ch. 100, § 2; 1977, ch. 364, § 2; 1978, ch. 557, § 2; 1979, ch. 78, § 1; 1980, ch. 544, § 1; 1980, ch. 567, § 1; 1981, ch. 282, §§ 1, 2; 1982, ch. 674, §§ 3, 4; T.C.A., § 49-1314(a).
The regularly employed teacher who is on leave authorized by § 49-5-701 , § 49-5-710 or § 49-5-711 shall receive the pay prescribed by the teacher's contract during such absence, but the right to receive such pay shall be subject to all the conditions set forth in §§ 49-5-701 , 49-5-710 and 49-5-711 .
Acts 1955, ch. 136, § 18; 1957, ch. 75, § 1; 1959, ch. 93, § 1; 1967, ch. 396, § 1; 1968, ch. 420, §§ 1, 2; 1971, ch. 128, § 1; 1971, ch. 421, § 1; 1973, ch. 2, § 1; 1974, ch. 488, § 1; 1975, ch. 46, §§ 1, 2; 1975, ch. 100, § 2; 1977, ch. 364, § 2; 1978, ch. 557, § 2; 1979, ch. 78, § 1; 1980, ch. 544, § 1; 1980, ch. 567, § 1; 1981, ch. 282, §§ 1, 2; 1982, ch. 674, §§ 3, 4; T.C.A., § 49-1314(a).
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-8003 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-8003
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Establishment clause" means the portion of the first amendment to the United States constitution that forbids laws respecting an establishment of religion; (2) "Free exercise clause" means the portion of the first amendment to the United States constitution that forbids laws prohibiting the free exercise of religion; (3) "Free speech clause" means the portion of the first amendment to the United States constitution that forbids laws abridging the freedom of speech; (4) "Public school" means any school that: (A) Is operated by the state, a political subdivision of the state or governmental agency within the state; and (B) Receives state financial assistance; and (5) "School employee" means an individual employed on a full-time or part-time basis by a public school. Acts 1999, ch. 334, § 1.
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Establishment clause" means the portion of the first amendment to the United States constitution that forbids laws respecting an establishment of religion;
(2) "Free exercise clause" means the portion of the first amendment to the United States constitution that forbids laws prohibiting the free exercise of religion;
(3) "Free speech clause" means the portion of the first amendment to the United States constitution that forbids laws abridging the freedom of speech;
(4) "Public school" means any school that: (A) Is operated by the state, a political subdivision of the state or governmental agency within the state; and (B) Receives state financial assistance; and
(A) Is operated by the state, a political subdivision of the state or governmental agency within the state; and
(B) Receives state financial assistance; and
(5) "School employee" means an individual employed on a full-time or part-time basis by a public school.
Acts 1999, ch. 334, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-1210 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-1210
Delegation of authority to agency
Status: in_force

(a) The state designates the authority as the state education agency within the meaning of § 54E(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ( 26 U.S.C. § 54E(c)(2) ), and delegates to the agency the authority to allocate on behalf of the state the national zone academy bond limitation allocated to the state among the state, local governments and public charter schools in any manner that the authority determines best supports public education in the state, and directs the authority to adopt such rules and regulations with respect to the allocation process as it deems necessary or appropriate. (b) The state delegates to the agency the authority to allocate on behalf of the state the limitation amount allocated to the state under [former] § 54F(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ( 26 U.S.C. § 54F(d)(1) [repealed]), and any limitation amount allocated to a Tennessee large local education agency within the meaning of [former] § 54F(d)(2)(E) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ( 26 U.S.C. § 54F(d)(2)(E) [repealed]), and reallocated by such large local education agency to the state pursuant to [former] § 54F(d)(2)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ( 26 U.S.C. § 54F(d)(2)(D) [repealed]), among the state, local governments and public charter schools in any manner that the authority determines best supports public education in the state, and directs the authority to establish procedures with respect to the allocation process as it deems necessary or appropriate. Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 36; 1998, ch. 913, § 1; 1999, ch. 429, § 8; 2009 , ch. 601, § 8.
(a) The state designates the authority as the state education agency within the meaning of § 54E(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ( 26 U.S.C. § 54E(c)(2) ), and delegates to the agency the authority to allocate on behalf of the state the national zone academy bond limitation allocated to the state among the state, local governments and public charter schools in any manner that the authority determines best supports public education in the state, and directs the authority to adopt such rules and regulations with respect to the allocation process as it deems necessary or appropriate.
(b) The state delegates to the agency the authority to allocate on behalf of the state the limitation amount allocated to the state under [former] § 54F(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ( 26 U.S.C. § 54F(d)(1) [repealed]), and any limitation amount allocated to a Tennessee large local education agency within the meaning of [former] § 54F(d)(2)(E) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ( 26 U.S.C. § 54F(d)(2)(E) [repealed]), and reallocated by such large local education agency to the state pursuant to [former] § 54F(d)(2)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ( 26 U.S.C. § 54F(d)(2)(D) [repealed]), among the state, local governments and public charter schools in any manner that the authority determines best supports public education in the state, and directs the authority to establish procedures with respect to the allocation process as it deems necessary or appropriate.
Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 36; 1998, ch. 913, § 1; 1999, ch. 429, § 8; 2009 , ch. 601, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-1108 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-1108
Annual report
Status: in_force

(a) Each child care program shall submit to the commissioner an annual report. (b) The report shall consist of: (1) Identification information; (2) Current enrollment figures; (3) Self-reporting on mandatory regulations; (4) Current certification status; and (5) Additional information as determined by the department. (c) Any entity not completing the annual report by October 1, shall receive notice of such failure and, if the report is not filed within thirty (30) days of the date of mailing of the notice, the certificate of approval shall be suspended immediately, pending receipt of the report. Acts 2000, ch. 981, § 48.
(a) Each child care program shall submit to the commissioner an annual report.
(b) The report shall consist of: (1) Identification information; (2) Current enrollment figures; (3) Self-reporting on mandatory regulations; (4) Current certification status; and (5) Additional information as determined by the department.
(1) Identification information;
(2) Current enrollment figures;
(3) Self-reporting on mandatory regulations;
(4) Current certification status; and
(5) Additional information as determined by the department.
(c) Any entity not completing the annual report by October 1, shall receive notice of such failure and, if the report is not filed within thirty (30) days of the date of mailing of the notice, the certificate of approval shall be suspended immediately, pending receipt of the report.
Acts 2000, ch. 981, § 48.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-801 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-801
General provisions
Status: in_force

The board of trustees of the University of Tennessee shall establish the College of Veterinary Medicine in the Institute of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and shall provide for full joint utilization of the physical facilities, equipment and basic science staff of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and the University of Tennessee. Acts 1974, ch. 549, §§ 3, 4; T.C.A., § 49-3363.
The board of trustees of the University of Tennessee shall establish the College of Veterinary Medicine in the Institute of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and shall provide for full joint utilization of the physical facilities, equipment and basic science staff of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and the University of Tennessee.
Acts 1974, ch. 549, §§ 3, 4; T.C.A., § 49-3363.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-1501 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-1501
Short title
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Act." Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 444,s 1, eff. 5/18/2015.
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Act."
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 444,s 1, eff. 5/18/2015.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-702 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 49-10-702
Statewide early intervention program for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families
Status: in_force

(a) The state shall establish and implement a statewide early intervention system to ensure that all infants and toddlers in the state, from birth through two (2) years of age, inclusive, with disabilities who may have a developmental delay or a diagnosed disability are identified and evaluated. (b) The early intervention system established under subsection (a) shall be a system of coordinated, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary interagency programs for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities and their families and must include all components prescribed by the IDEA. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 34, eff. 4/11/2019. Acts 1989, ch. 248, § 1; 1991, ch. 490, § 1; 1994, ch. 768, § 2.
(a) The state shall establish and implement a statewide early intervention system to ensure that all infants and toddlers in the state, from birth through two (2) years of age, inclusive, with disabilities who may have a developmental delay or a diagnosed disability are identified and evaluated.
(b) The early intervention system established under subsection (a) shall be a system of coordinated, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary interagency programs for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities and their families and must include all components prescribed by the IDEA.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 34, eff. 4/11/2019.
Acts 1989, ch. 248, § 1; 1991, ch. 490, § 1; 1994, ch. 768, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-1401 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-1401
Purpose - Construction
Status: in_force

The purpose of this part is to enhance the competitive position of the University of Tennessee for research and development funding and otherwise to facilitate expanded research and development activities at the university, the premier public research university in this state. The further purpose of this part is to facilitate the commercialization of university research outcomes and the transfer of research-generated technology from the university to commercial and industrial enterprises in furtherance of the economic development of this state. This part shall be liberally construed in conformity with its purposes. Acts 2000, ch. 784, § 1.
The purpose of this part is to enhance the competitive position of the University of Tennessee for research and development funding and otherwise to facilitate expanded research and development activities at the university, the premier public research university in this state. The further purpose of this part is to facilitate the commercialization of university research outcomes and the transfer of research-generated technology from the university to commercial and industrial enterprises in furtherance of the economic development of this state. This part shall be liberally construed in conformity with its purposes.
Acts 2000, ch. 784, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-1265 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-1265
Multi-county consolidated school system - Property tax
Status: in_force

(a) In addition to any other tax applicable to property located within the consolidated school district created pursuant to this part, there shall be levied a property tax sufficient to fund the consolidated school district. The tax rate shall be set by the general assembly by private act. (b) The board of education of the consolidated school district shall have the authority to set the tax rate lower than that imposed by any private act setting a tax rate for the school district, but shall not have the power to impose a tax in excess of any statutory levy nor shall it have the power to lower any special levy assessed for the purpose of bond repayment. In order to change the rate of taxation, the board must certify, on or before September 1, to the county trustees the new school district tax rate not to exceed the rate imposed by the legislative act, and the county trustees shall collect the taxes based on the rates so certified. Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 76.
(a) In addition to any other tax applicable to property located within the consolidated school district created pursuant to this part, there shall be levied a property tax sufficient to fund the consolidated school district. The tax rate shall be set by the general assembly by private act.
(b) The board of education of the consolidated school district shall have the authority to set the tax rate lower than that imposed by any private act setting a tax rate for the school district, but shall not have the power to impose a tax in excess of any statutory levy nor shall it have the power to lower any special levy assessed for the purpose of bond repayment. In order to change the rate of taxation, the board must certify, on or before September 1, to the county trustees the new school district tax rate not to exceed the rate imposed by the legislative act, and the county trustees shall collect the taxes based on the rates so certified.
Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 76.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-701 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-701
Special endowment trust fund - Contributions - Interest - Disposition of funds
Status: in_force

(a) There is created within the general fund a special endowment trust fund earmarked for the sole purpose of generating revenue to provide funds to promote leadership in agricultural and home economic programs in institutions of higher education. (b) Any person, association, corporation or governmental entity may make contributions to the special endowment trust fund, and the treasurer is authorized to accept all gifts, grants or funds specifically appropriated for that purpose, and shall deposit such amounts in the special endowment trust fund. Funds in the special fund shall be consolidated with state funds under the control of the treasurer in the same manner and as provided in § 9-4-704 . (c) Except as provided in subsection (b), for administrative expenses, interest earned from funds deposited in the special fund shall be used for the purposes provided in subsection (a). (d) The state treasurer has the authority to promulgate necessary and appropriate rules and regulations in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, to include, but not be limited to, guidelines relative to the manner in which deposits shall be accepted for and made to the special fund, and the manner in which applicable amounts will be distributed according to appropriate regulations promulgated pursuant to [former] § 49-7-702 . Acts 1987, ch. 184, § 1.
(a) There is created within the general fund a special endowment trust fund earmarked for the sole purpose of generating revenue to provide funds to promote leadership in agricultural and home economic programs in institutions of higher education.
(b) Any person, association, corporation or governmental entity may make contributions to the special endowment trust fund, and the treasurer is authorized to accept all gifts, grants or funds specifically appropriated for that purpose, and shall deposit such amounts in the special endowment trust fund. Funds in the special fund shall be consolidated with state funds under the control of the treasurer in the same manner and as provided in § 9-4-704 .
(c) Except as provided in subsection (b), for administrative expenses, interest earned from funds deposited in the special fund shall be used for the purposes provided in subsection (a).
(d) The state treasurer has the authority to promulgate necessary and appropriate rules and regulations in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, to include, but not be limited to, guidelines relative to the manner in which deposits shall be accepted for and made to the special fund, and the manner in which applicable amounts will be distributed according to appropriate regulations promulgated pursuant to [former] § 49-7-702 .
Acts 1987, ch. 184, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-401 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-401
"Junior high schools" and "senior high schools" defined
Status: in_force

(a) "Junior high schools" are schools in which are taught any combination of grades corresponding to grade seven through grade ten (7-10); however, the school must include grade nine (9). (b) "Senior high schools" are schools in which are taught any combination of grades corresponding to grade nine through grade twelve (9-12); however, the school must include grade twelve (12). Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 14; Shan. Supp., § 1487a93; Code 1932, § 2384; Acts 1931, ch. 71, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, §§ 2393.2, 2393.3; Acts 1980, ch. 498, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-1102, 49-1103.
(a) "Junior high schools" are schools in which are taught any combination of grades corresponding to grade seven through grade ten (7-10); however, the school must include grade nine (9).
(b) "Senior high schools" are schools in which are taught any combination of grades corresponding to grade nine through grade twelve (9-12); however, the school must include grade twelve (12).
Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 14; Shan. Supp., § 1487a93; Code 1932, § 2384; Acts 1931, ch. 71, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, §§ 2393.2, 2393.3; Acts 1980, ch. 498, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-1102, 49-1103.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-402 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-402
Salary ratings
Status: in_force

(a) After the election of teachers, the director of schools shall establish the salary rating of each person employed as teacher or principal-teacher, and also the director of schools and other school personnel employed on a system-wide basis in the public schools, using for this purpose the established training and experience of the school personnel and the respective state salary schedule for the school year, as prescribed by the commissioner of education and approved by the state board of education. (b) The salary rating and other information as called for on forms prescribed by the commissioner shall be filed with the commissioner on or before February 1 of the school year for which the personnel are elected. (c) Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, any principal-teacher, teacher, director of schools, or other school personnel employed on a system-wide basis who completes additional academic training after the beginning of a school year but prior to January 1 of that school year, that would qualify the employee for a higher salary rating, shall be eligible to have the employee's salary rating redetermined as of January 1 of the school year. To receive the adjustment in salary rating, the employee shall give notice in writing of the employee's intention to complete academic training that may qualify the employee for a higher salary rating after the beginning of the school year immediately subsequent to the date of the notice and prior to January 1 of such school year. The written notice shall be given to the director of schools and to the chair of the local board of education prior to submission of the LEA's budget to the local legislative body pursuant to § 49-2-203(a)(9) . After completing the academic training, the employee shall provide, by February 1 of the school year, all documentation, as required by the LEA and the commissioner, necessary to establish the completion of the training. The increased salary rating and other information, as called for on forms prescribed by the commissioner, shall be filed with the commissioner by February 15 of the school year. (d) Military personnel who have served as junior reserve officers' training corps (JROTC) instructors in accordance with § 49-5-108(c)(3) for not less than two (2) years and who currently teach in subject areas other than JROTC or military science, for which they are properly licensed, shall be credited with their years of experience in teaching JROTC or military science for the purpose of determining salary ratings. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, Secs.s 38, s 39, s 40 eff. 5/2/2019. Acts 1955, ch. 136, § 17; 1957, ch. 89, § 1; 1974, ch. 654, §§ 70-73; 1977, ch. 349, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-1313; Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 21; 1999, ch. 367, § 2; 2005, ch. 338, § 1; 2010 , ch. 1046, § 1.
(a) After the election of teachers, the director of schools shall establish the salary rating of each person employed as teacher or principal-teacher, and also the director of schools and other school personnel employed on a system-wide basis in the public schools, using for this purpose the established training and experience of the school personnel and the respective state salary schedule for the school year, as prescribed by the commissioner of education and approved by the state board of education.
(b) The salary rating and other information as called for on forms prescribed by the commissioner shall be filed with the commissioner on or before February 1 of the school year for which the personnel are elected.
(c) Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, any principal-teacher, teacher, director of schools, or other school personnel employed on a system-wide basis who completes additional academic training after the beginning of a school year but prior to January 1 of that school year, that would qualify the employee for a higher salary rating, shall be eligible to have the employee's salary rating redetermined as of January 1 of the school year. To receive the adjustment in salary rating, the employee shall give notice in writing of the employee's intention to complete academic training that may qualify the employee for a higher salary rating after the beginning of the school year immediately subsequent to the date of the notice and prior to January 1 of such school year. The written notice shall be given to the director of schools and to the chair of the local board of education prior to submission of the LEA's budget to the local legislative body pursuant to § 49-2-203(a)(9) . After completing the academic training, the employee shall provide, by February 1 of the school year, all documentation, as required by the LEA and the commissioner, necessary to establish the completion of the training. The increased salary rating and other information, as called for on forms prescribed by the commissioner, shall be filed with the commissioner by February 15 of the school year.
(d) Military personnel who have served as junior reserve officers' training corps (JROTC) instructors in accordance with § 49-5-108(c)(3) for not less than two (2) years and who currently teach in subject areas other than JROTC or military science, for which they are properly licensed, shall be credited with their years of experience in teaching JROTC or military science for the purpose of determining salary ratings.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, Secs.s 38, s 39, s 40 eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 1955, ch. 136, § 17; 1957, ch. 89, § 1; 1974, ch. 654, §§ 70-73; 1977, ch. 349, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-1313; Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 21; 1999, ch. 367, § 2; 2005, ch. 338, § 1; 2010 , ch. 1046, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-1106 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-1106
State approval for bond issuance
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other law, neither the board nor any institution that is authorized under this part to borrow money, issue bonds or notes or obtain loans shall do so without first securing the approval of the state school bond authority. Acts 1943, ch. 135, § 9; C. Supp. 1950, § 2316.9 (Williams, § 2316.21); Acts 1979, ch. 116, § 9; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-3506.
Notwithstanding any other law, neither the board nor any institution that is authorized under this part to borrow money, issue bonds or notes or obtain loans shall do so without first securing the approval of the state school bond authority.
Acts 1943, ch. 135, § 9; C. Supp. 1950, § 2316.9 (Williams, § 2316.21); Acts 1979, ch. 116, § 9; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-3506.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-18-104 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 18 / Section 49-18-104
Approval process for course providers
Status: in_force

(a) The department shall establish guidelines and procedures for course providers to seek approval from the state board. All approved providers shall be included in the listing of providers in the course access catalog. (b) The department shall post all approval guidelines and procedures and all approved providers on its website. (c) Upon approval and inclusion in the listing of providers in the course access catalog, course providers may offer course access program courses for review and selection by a host LEA under the host LEA's local course review and approval process developed according to § 49-18-106 . Courses that meet all requirements under § 49-18-106 , as determined by the host LEA, may be submitted to the department for recommendation to the state board for its approval and inclusion in the course access course catalog. (d) Host LEAs may partner with approved course providers to offer course access program courses included in the course access catalog pursuant to § 49-18-106 . Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 784, s 7, eff. 4/20/2018. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 889, s 5, eff. 4/27/2016.
(a) The department shall establish guidelines and procedures for course providers to seek approval from the state board. All approved providers shall be included in the listing of providers in the course access catalog.
(b) The department shall post all approval guidelines and procedures and all approved providers on its website.
(c) Upon approval and inclusion in the listing of providers in the course access catalog, course providers may offer course access program courses for review and selection by a host LEA under the host LEA's local course review and approval process developed according to § 49-18-106 . Courses that meet all requirements under § 49-18-106 , as determined by the host LEA, may be submitted to the department for recommendation to the state board for its approval and inclusion in the course access course catalog.
(d) Host LEAs may partner with approved course providers to offer course access program courses included in the course access catalog pursuant to § 49-18-106 .
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 784, s 7, eff. 4/20/2018.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 889, s 5, eff. 4/27/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-315 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-315
Parental notification of student's gender preference
Status: in_force

(a) An employee of an LEA or public charter school shall not knowingly give false or misleading information to the parent of a student regarding the student's gender identity or the student's intention to transition to a gender that differs from the sex listed on the student's official birth certificate or certificate of birth issued upon adoption, if the certificate of birth was issued at or near the time of the student's birth. (b) If a student enrolled in an LEA or public charter school requests an accommodation from an employee of the LEA or public charter school that is intended to affirm the student's gender identity, including a request that the student be addressed using a name that differs from the name assigned to the student on the student's school registration forms or in the student's educational record, or that the student be addressed using a pronoun that does not correspond with the sex listed on the student's official birth certificate or certificate of birth issued upon adoption, if the certificate of birth was issued at or near the time of the student's birth, then the employee of the LEA or public charter school shall report the student's request to a school administrator, and the school administrator shall report the student's request to the student's parent. (c) A parent who is affected, or whose student is affected, by a violation of this section may bring a civil action against the LEA or public charter school in a court of competent jurisdiction. The court in any such action: (1) May award compensatory damages, injunctive relief, or any other appropriate relief to a prevailing party who establishes a violation of this section; and (2) Shall award court costs, expenses, and reasonable attorney fees to a prevailing party who establishes a violation of this section. (d) The attorney general and reporter may bring an action against an LEA or public charter school to enforce compliance with this section. (e) As used in this section: (1) "Gender identity" has the same meaning as provided in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5); (2) "Parent" means the parent, guardian, person who has custody of the child, or individual who has caregiving authority for the child under § 49-6-3001 ; and (3) "Student" means a student under eighteen (18) years of age. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 832,s 1, eff. 5/1/2024.
(a) An employee of an LEA or public charter school shall not knowingly give false or misleading information to the parent of a student regarding the student's gender identity or the student's intention to transition to a gender that differs from the sex listed on the student's official birth certificate or certificate of birth issued upon adoption, if the certificate of birth was issued at or near the time of the student's birth.
(b) If a student enrolled in an LEA or public charter school requests an accommodation from an employee of the LEA or public charter school that is intended to affirm the student's gender identity, including a request that the student be addressed using a name that differs from the name assigned to the student on the student's school registration forms or in the student's educational record, or that the student be addressed using a pronoun that does not correspond with the sex listed on the student's official birth certificate or certificate of birth issued upon adoption, if the certificate of birth was issued at or near the time of the student's birth, then the employee of the LEA or public charter school shall report the student's request to a school administrator, and the school administrator shall report the student's request to the student's parent.
(c) A parent who is affected, or whose student is affected, by a violation of this section may bring a civil action against the LEA or public charter school in a court of competent jurisdiction. The court in any such action: (1) May award compensatory damages, injunctive relief, or any other appropriate relief to a prevailing party who establishes a violation of this section; and (2) Shall award court costs, expenses, and reasonable attorney fees to a prevailing party who establishes a violation of this section.
(1) May award compensatory damages, injunctive relief, or any other appropriate relief to a prevailing party who establishes a violation of this section; and
(2) Shall award court costs, expenses, and reasonable attorney fees to a prevailing party who establishes a violation of this section.
(d) The attorney general and reporter may bring an action against an LEA or public charter school to enforce compliance with this section.
(e) As used in this section: (1) "Gender identity" has the same meaning as provided in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5); (2) "Parent" means the parent, guardian, person who has custody of the child, or individual who has caregiving authority for the child under § 49-6-3001 ; and (3) "Student" means a student under eighteen (18) years of age.
(1) "Gender identity" has the same meaning as provided in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5);
(2) "Parent" means the parent, guardian, person who has custody of the child, or individual who has caregiving authority for the child under § 49-6-3001 ; and
(3) "Student" means a student under eighteen (18) years of age.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 832,s 1, eff. 5/1/2024.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-104 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-104
Merger with other institutions
Status: in_force

The board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, and each institution under its jurisdiction, shall not enter into any agreement or other arrangement for a merger or consolidation with a private institution of higher education without the authorization of the general assembly, acting through legislation, resolution or appropriations. Acts 1979, ch. 182, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-3331.
The board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, and each institution under its jurisdiction, shall not enter into any agreement or other arrangement for a merger or consolidation with a private institution of higher education without the authorization of the general assembly, acting through legislation, resolution or appropriations.
Acts 1979, ch. 182, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-3331.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2121 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2121
Eligibility - Impairment of contract
Status: in_force

Nothing in this part: (1) Prevents a student athlete from relinquishing the athlete's eligibility to compete in intercollegiate sports and then signing an agency contract; or (2) Impairs the validity of an agency contract entered into prior to July 1, 2001. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 216,s 1, eff. 9/1/2017.
Nothing in this part:
(1) Prevents a student athlete from relinquishing the athlete's eligibility to compete in intercollegiate sports and then signing an agency contract; or
(2) Impairs the validity of an agency contract entered into prior to July 1, 2001.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 216,s 1, eff. 9/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-215 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-215
Audit of efficiencies
Status: in_force

An audit of the Tennessee higher education commission, the University of Tennessee board of trustees and the board of regents may be conducted by the comptroller of the treasury. If such audit is conducted, the audit shall specifically focus on overlap in mission, cost inefficiencies, management practices and the restructuring of higher education stipulated by the implementation of Acts 2010 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 3. If such audit is conducted, the audit shall be submitted to the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives for review and recommendation. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 99, eff. 3/29/2021. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 113, eff. 5/10/2019. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 67, eff. 4/17/2015. Acts 2010 (1st Ex.Sess.), ch. 3, § 13.
An audit of the Tennessee higher education commission, the University of Tennessee board of trustees and the board of regents may be conducted by the comptroller of the treasury. If such audit is conducted, the audit shall specifically focus on overlap in mission, cost inefficiencies, management practices and the restructuring of higher education stipulated by the implementation of Acts 2010 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 3. If such audit is conducted, the audit shall be submitted to the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives for review and recommendation.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 99, eff. 3/29/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 113, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 67, eff. 4/17/2015.
Acts 2010 (1st Ex.Sess.), ch. 3, § 13.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1027 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1027
[Repealed] Reserved
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 38, eff. 4/18/2018. Acts 2008 , ch. 1195, § 2.
Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 38, eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 2008 , ch. 1195, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-813 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-813
Custodian of funds - Disbursements
Status: in_force

The state treasurer shall be the custodian of the trust funds, and the facilities and employees of the state treasurer shall be used and employed in the administration of the funds, including, but not limited to, the keeping of records, the management of bank accounts and other investments, the transfer of funds and the safekeeping of securities evidencing investments and may delegate or subcontract any or all such functions to any entity that the state treasurer deems qualified for such purpose when the state treasurer determines such delegation to be necessary or desirable. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 910,s 20, eff. 5/13/2014. Acts 1996, ch. 991, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-7-811 ; Acts 1999, ch. 233, § 22.
The state treasurer shall be the custodian of the trust funds, and the facilities and employees of the state treasurer shall be used and employed in the administration of the funds, including, but not limited to, the keeping of records, the management of bank accounts and other investments, the transfer of funds and the safekeeping of securities evidencing investments and may delegate or subcontract any or all such functions to any entity that the state treasurer deems qualified for such purpose when the state treasurer determines such delegation to be necessary or desirable.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 910,s 20, eff. 5/13/2014.
Acts 1996, ch. 991, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-7-811 ; Acts 1999, ch. 233, § 22.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-1302 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 49-10-1302
Purpose of part
Status: in_force

The purposes of this part are: (1) To ensure that every student receiving special education services is free from the unreasonable, unsafe and unwarranted uses of isolation and restraint practices; (2) To encourage the use of positive behavioral interventions and support methods in schools; (3) To develop properly trained staff in order to promote positive behavioral supports that reduce dependence on isolation and restraint practices; and (4) To ensure that teachers of students receiving special education services are properly trained to protect the student, teacher and others from physical harm, if isolation or restraint is necessary. Acts 2008, ch. 1063, § 2.
The purposes of this part are:
(1) To ensure that every student receiving special education services is free from the unreasonable, unsafe and unwarranted uses of isolation and restraint practices;
(2) To encourage the use of positive behavioral interventions and support methods in schools;
(3) To develop properly trained staff in order to promote positive behavioral supports that reduce dependence on isolation and restraint practices; and
(4) To ensure that teachers of students receiving special education services are properly trained to protect the student, teacher and others from physical harm, if isolation or restraint is necessary.
Acts 2008, ch. 1063, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-360 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-360
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023. Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 3.
Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-1401 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-1401
Higher Education Foundation Investment Pool created
Status: in_force

The higher education foundation investment pool is created for the purpose of receiving and investing a higher education foundation's money in the custody of any officer or officers of the state unless prohibited by statute to be invested. For the purposes of this section, "higher education foundation" means any foundation established for a state university, state college, or Tennessee college of applied technology pursuant to §§ 49-7-107 and 49-11-402 . Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 324, s 1, eff. 4/28/2015.
The higher education foundation investment pool is created for the purpose of receiving and investing a higher education foundation's money in the custody of any officer or officers of the state unless prohibited by statute to be invested. For the purposes of this section, "higher education foundation" means any foundation established for a state university, state college, or Tennessee college of applied technology pursuant to §§ 49-7-107 and 49-11-402 .
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 324, s 1, eff. 4/28/2015.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-508 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-508
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 16, eff. 8/1/2020. Acts 1977, ch. 282, § 1; 1983, ch. 338, § 11; T.C.A., § 49-5409.
Repealed by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 16, eff. 8/1/2020.
Acts 1977, ch. 282, § 1; 1983, ch. 338, § 11; T.C.A., § 49-5409.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2208 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2208
Review
Status: in_force

The comptroller of the treasury may conduct a review of an institution of higher education to ensure that the institution is complying with the requirements of this part. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 958,s 3, eff. 4/29/2022.
The comptroller of the treasury may conduct a review of an institution of higher education to ensure that the institution is complying with the requirements of this part.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 958,s 3, eff. 4/29/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-620 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-620
Annual report of information related to state, LEA, and school level indicators of postsecondary readiness by graduating class
Status: in_force

(a) The department shall annually report on the state report card, established pursuant to § 49-1-228 , information related to state, LEA, and school level indicators of postsecondary readiness by graduating class, including the percentage of students achieving postsecondary readiness pursuant to the department's defined eligibility criteria. The department shall begin reporting the information identified in this subsection (a) with the graduating class of 2021 in the 2022 state report card. (b) Disclosure under this section must comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ( 20 U.S.C. 1232g ); § 10-7-504 ; the Data Accessibility, Transparency, and Accountability Act, compiled in chapter 1, part 7 of this title; and all other relevant privacy laws. Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 323, s 2, eff. 5/4/2021.
(a) The department shall annually report on the state report card, established pursuant to § 49-1-228 , information related to state, LEA, and school level indicators of postsecondary readiness by graduating class, including the percentage of students achieving postsecondary readiness pursuant to the department's defined eligibility criteria. The department shall begin reporting the information identified in this subsection (a) with the graduating class of 2021 in the 2022 state report card.
(b) Disclosure under this section must comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ( 20 U.S.C. 1232g ); § 10-7-504 ; the Data Accessibility, Transparency, and Accountability Act, compiled in chapter 1, part 7 of this title; and all other relevant privacy laws.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 323, s 2, eff. 5/4/2021.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1209 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1209
High school credit for military basic training
Status: in_force

If, during high school, a student enlists in a branch of the United States military or in the national guard through the military delayed entry program, the national guard split training option or other similar early entry program and completes basic training before graduation from high school, then the student shall receive high school credit towards graduation for basic training. Credit for basic training may be substituted, upon the choice of the student, for the required credit in lifetime wellness and credit in one (1) elective course or for credit in two (2) elective courses. Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 487,s 1, eff. 2/13/2014.
If, during high school, a student enlists in a branch of the United States military or in the national guard through the military delayed entry program, the national guard split training option or other similar early entry program and completes basic training before graduation from high school, then the student shall receive high school credit towards graduation for basic training. Credit for basic training may be substituted, upon the choice of the student, for the required credit in lifetime wellness and credit in one (1) elective course or for credit in two (2) elective courses.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 487,s 1, eff. 2/13/2014.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-1903 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-1903
Restrictions applicable to public institutions of higher education
Status: in_force

In furtherance of the general assembly's findings in § 49-7-1901 , the following restrictions apply to public institutions of higher education in this state: (1) A student or employee of a public institution of higher education shall not be penalized, discriminated against, or receive any adverse treatment due to the student's or employee's refusal to support, believe, endorse, embrace, confess, act upon, or otherwise assent to one (1) or more divisive concepts; (2) A student or employee of a public institution of higher education shall not be required to endorse a specific ideology or political viewpoint to be eligible for hiring, tenure, promotion, or graduation, and institutions shall not ask the ideological or political viewpoint of a student, job applicant, job candidate, or candidate for promotion or tenure; (3) A public institution of higher education shall not require an applicant for employment or admission to submit a personal diversity statement or to affirm the applicant's agreement with an institutional diversity statement as part of the application or admissions process; and (4) An individual who believes that a violation of this section has occurred may pursue all equitable or legal remedies that may be available to the individual in a court of competent jurisdiction. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 268, s 3, eff. 7/1/2023. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 818, s 4, eff. 4/8/2022.
In furtherance of the general assembly's findings in § 49-7-1901 , the following restrictions apply to public institutions of higher education in this state:
(1) A student or employee of a public institution of higher education shall not be penalized, discriminated against, or receive any adverse treatment due to the student's or employee's refusal to support, believe, endorse, embrace, confess, act upon, or otherwise assent to one (1) or more divisive concepts;
(2) A student or employee of a public institution of higher education shall not be required to endorse a specific ideology or political viewpoint to be eligible for hiring, tenure, promotion, or graduation, and institutions shall not ask the ideological or political viewpoint of a student, job applicant, job candidate, or candidate for promotion or tenure;
(3) A public institution of higher education shall not require an applicant for employment or admission to submit a personal diversity statement or to affirm the applicant's agreement with an institutional diversity statement as part of the application or admissions process; and
(4) An individual who believes that a violation of this section has occurred may pursue all equitable or legal remedies that may be available to the individual in a court of competent jurisdiction.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 268, s 3, eff. 7/1/2023.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 818, s 4, eff. 4/8/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-11-305 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 49-11-305
Use of school funds and facilities
Status: in_force

(a) The local boards of education participating in the operation, establishment and maintenance of the schools are authorized to use public school funds to contribute the share of the local school system in the cost of operation of the school, and the counties and cities participating in the program are authorized to levy and collect taxes and appropriate funds for that purpose. (b) Existing school plants and facilities may be used, or new plants may be acquired or constructed. (c) Funds allocated to a county by the state for the training of any student who attends a career and technical education center shall be transferred to the career and technical education center for use in defraying the cost of operating the school. By agreement between county and state authorities, the funds may be allocated directly to the area school by the state. (d) Counties participating in the career and technical education center shall contribute to its support from local funds upon the basis of the per capita enrollment from the county in the area school, unless the school board of a local school district by contract assumes a larger portion of the cost of maintaining the school. Acts 1947, ch. 98, § 4; C. Supp. 1950, § 2483.14 (Williams, § 2483.8); Acts 1974, ch. 654, §§ 127, 128; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-2604.
(a) The local boards of education participating in the operation, establishment and maintenance of the schools are authorized to use public school funds to contribute the share of the local school system in the cost of operation of the school, and the counties and cities participating in the program are authorized to levy and collect taxes and appropriate funds for that purpose.
(b) Existing school plants and facilities may be used, or new plants may be acquired or constructed.
(c) Funds allocated to a county by the state for the training of any student who attends a career and technical education center shall be transferred to the career and technical education center for use in defraying the cost of operating the school. By agreement between county and state authorities, the funds may be allocated directly to the area school by the state.
(d) Counties participating in the career and technical education center shall contribute to its support from local funds upon the basis of the per capita enrollment from the county in the area school, unless the school board of a local school district by contract assumes a larger portion of the cost of maintaining the school.
Acts 1947, ch. 98, § 4; C. Supp. 1950, § 2483.14 (Williams, § 2483.8); Acts 1974, ch. 654, §§ 127, 128; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-2604.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-917 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-917
Choice of ASPIRE award or supplemental award
Status: in_force

Students may receive either the ASPIRE award, under § 49-4-915 , or the supplemental award as a general assembly merit scholar, but not both. Acts 2003 , ch. 298, § 1; 2005, ch. 481, § 29.
Students may receive either the ASPIRE award, under § 49-4-915 , or the supplemental award as a general assembly merit scholar, but not both.
Acts 2003 , ch. 298, § 1; 2005, ch. 481, § 29.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-937 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-937
HOPE scholarship - For students who complete diploma from a Tennessee college of applied technology
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, a student who is eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship upon graduation from high school, completion of high school in a Tennessee home school or obtaining a high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education, but who, instead of applying for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship, applies to and enrolls in a Tennessee college of applied technology and receives a Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant, shall continue to be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship; provided, that the student: (1) Applies for a HOPE scholarship and enrolls in an eligible postsecondary institution within three (3) years of completing a diploma from a Tennessee college of applied technology consisting of at least nine hundred (900) clock hours; (2) Is not ineligible for a HOPE scholarship under § 49-4-904 ; and (3) Meets the requirements of § 49-4-905(a) . (b) This section shall also apply to students who are eligible for general assembly merit scholarships and Tennessee HOPE access grants. (c) Enrollment at a Tennessee college of applied technology by a student working toward a diploma before receiving a Tennessee HOPE scholarship, general assembly merit scholarship or Tennessee HOPE access grant under this section shall not count under § 49-4-913 or § 49-4-920 toward the limitation on receipt on a Tennessee HOPE scholarship, general assembly merit scholarship or Tennessee HOPE access grant. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 114,s 23, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 495, s 9, eff. 7/1/2015. Acts 2006, ch. 980, § 1; 2008 , ch. 1142, § 11.
(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, a student who is eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship upon graduation from high school, completion of high school in a Tennessee home school or obtaining a high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education, but who, instead of applying for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship, applies to and enrolls in a Tennessee college of applied technology and receives a Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant, shall continue to be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship; provided, that the student: (1) Applies for a HOPE scholarship and enrolls in an eligible postsecondary institution within three (3) years of completing a diploma from a Tennessee college of applied technology consisting of at least nine hundred (900) clock hours; (2) Is not ineligible for a HOPE scholarship under § 49-4-904 ; and (3) Meets the requirements of § 49-4-905(a) .
(1) Applies for a HOPE scholarship and enrolls in an eligible postsecondary institution within three (3) years of completing a diploma from a Tennessee college of applied technology consisting of at least nine hundred (900) clock hours;
(2) Is not ineligible for a HOPE scholarship under § 49-4-904 ; and
(3) Meets the requirements of § 49-4-905(a) .
(b) This section shall also apply to students who are eligible for general assembly merit scholarships and Tennessee HOPE access grants.
(c) Enrollment at a Tennessee college of applied technology by a student working toward a diploma before receiving a Tennessee HOPE scholarship, general assembly merit scholarship or Tennessee HOPE access grant under this section shall not count under § 49-4-913 or § 49-4-920 toward the limitation on receipt on a Tennessee HOPE scholarship, general assembly merit scholarship or Tennessee HOPE access grant.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 114,s 23, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 495, s 9, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 2006, ch. 980, § 1; 2008 , ch. 1142, § 11.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-407 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-407
Municipal Technical Advisory Service
Status: in_force

(a) As part of the Institute for Public Service, the Municipal Technical Advisory Service exists to provide studies and research in municipal government, publications, and educational conferences and to furnish technical, consultative, and field services to municipalities of the state in problems relating to fiscal administration, accounting, tax assessment and collection, law enforcement, improvements and public works, and in any and all matters relating to municipal government. (b) This program shall be carried on in cooperation with and with the advice of municipalities in the state acting through the Tennessee Municipal League and its board of directors, which is recognized as their official agency or instrumentality. Acts 2010, ch. 891, § 4.
(a) As part of the Institute for Public Service, the Municipal Technical Advisory Service exists to provide studies and research in municipal government, publications, and educational conferences and to furnish technical, consultative, and field services to municipalities of the state in problems relating to fiscal administration, accounting, tax assessment and collection, law enforcement, improvements and public works, and in any and all matters relating to municipal government.
(b) This program shall be carried on in cooperation with and with the advice of municipalities in the state acting through the Tennessee Municipal League and its board of directors, which is recognized as their official agency or instrumentality.
Acts 2010, ch. 891, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1707 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1707
Examination and audit
Status: in_force

The commission shall be subject to examination and audit by the comptroller of the treasury in the same manner as prescribed for the department of the treasury. Acts 2010, ch. 1097, § 1; 2011, ch. 212, § 3; T.C.A. § 49-7-3107 .
The commission shall be subject to examination and audit by the comptroller of the treasury in the same manner as prescribed for the department of the treasury.
Acts 2010, ch. 1097, § 1; 2011, ch. 212, § 3; T.C.A. § 49-7-3107 .
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-8106 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-8106
Rules and regulations
Status: in_force

The state board of education and the Tennessee higher education commission are authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this part. All such rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Acts 2011, ch. 488, § 7; T.C.A., § 49-6-8306.
The state board of education and the Tennessee higher education commission are authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this part. All such rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Acts 2011, ch. 488, § 7; T.C.A., § 49-6-8306.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-1102 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-1102
Powers of contracting boards
Status: in_force

All schools established, maintained and operated pursuant to a contract entered into under this part shall be considered for all purposes as integral parts of the school systems of each of the counties, cities or special school districts that are parties to the contracts. The board of education of each county, city or special school district that is a party to the contract shall have the same powers with respect to the assignment, placement, expulsion, suspension and transfer of pupils residing in its respective jurisdiction in and to such schools and with respect to the employment and assignment of teachers for such schools as it may possess with respect to other schools under its supervision, control and jurisdiction, except insofar as such powers may be limited by the contract. Acts 1957, ch. 12, § 3; T.C.A., § 49-412.
All schools established, maintained and operated pursuant to a contract entered into under this part shall be considered for all purposes as integral parts of the school systems of each of the counties, cities or special school districts that are parties to the contracts. The board of education of each county, city or special school district that is a party to the contract shall have the same powers with respect to the assignment, placement, expulsion, suspension and transfer of pupils residing in its respective jurisdiction in and to such schools and with respect to the employment and assignment of teachers for such schools as it may possess with respect to other schools under its supervision, control and jurisdiction, except insofar as such powers may be limited by the contract.
Acts 1957, ch. 12, § 3; T.C.A., § 49-412.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-404 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-404
Teachers - Physical examination
Status: in_force

No person who has any contagious or communicable disease in a form that might endanger the health of school children shall teach in any school, and any teacher must submit to a physical examination by competent physicians when so required by the local board of education. Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 8; Shan. Supp., § 1487a48; Code 1932, § 2337; Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 62; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1302.
No person who has any contagious or communicable disease in a form that might endanger the health of school children shall teach in any school, and any teacher must submit to a physical examination by competent physicians when so required by the local board of education.
Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 8; Shan. Supp., § 1487a48; Code 1932, § 2337; Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 62; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1302.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-913 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-913
HOPE scholarship - Terminating events
Status: in_force

(a) Except as set forth in §§ 49-4-919 , 49-4-930 , 49-4-931 and 49-4-937 , a student may receive a Tennessee HOPE scholarship until the first of the following events: (1) The student has earned an advanced degree; or (2) Five (5) years have passed from the date of the student's initial enrollment at any postsecondary institution. (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section to the contrary limiting the receipt of a HOPE scholarship to a five-year period beginning at the time of a student's initial enrollment at any postsecondary institution, a student who has a documented medical disability and whose eligibility for a HOPE scholarship has not terminated due to meeting another limitation on eligibility applicable to the student under this section, may petition for an extension of the five-year period if, because of the disability, the student can only attend an eligible postsecondary institution part-time. Such extension shall not extend beyond ten (10) years from the date of the student's initial enrollment at any postsecondary institution. TSAC shall promulgate rules and regulations for the approval of extensions of time for receipt of a HOPE scholarship because of medical disabilities. All such rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 368, s 7, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 36, eff. 7/1/2021. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 900, s 5, eff. 7/1/2015. Acts 2003 , ch. 298, § 1; 2008 , ch. 1142, § 7; 2011 , ch. 427, § 3; 2011 , ch. 437, § 2.
(a) Except as set forth in §§ 49-4-919 , 49-4-930 , 49-4-931 and 49-4-937 , a student may receive a Tennessee HOPE scholarship until the first of the following events: (1) The student has earned an advanced degree; or (2) Five (5) years have passed from the date of the student's initial enrollment at any postsecondary institution.
(1) The student has earned an advanced degree; or
(2) Five (5) years have passed from the date of the student's initial enrollment at any postsecondary institution.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section to the contrary limiting the receipt of a HOPE scholarship to a five-year period beginning at the time of a student's initial enrollment at any postsecondary institution, a student who has a documented medical disability and whose eligibility for a HOPE scholarship has not terminated due to meeting another limitation on eligibility applicable to the student under this section, may petition for an extension of the five-year period if, because of the disability, the student can only attend an eligible postsecondary institution part-time. Such extension shall not extend beyond ten (10) years from the date of the student's initial enrollment at any postsecondary institution. TSAC shall promulgate rules and regulations for the approval of extensions of time for receipt of a HOPE scholarship because of medical disabilities. All such rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 368, s 7, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 36, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 900, s 5, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 2003 , ch. 298, § 1; 2008 , ch. 1142, § 7; 2011 , ch. 427, § 3; 2011 , ch. 437, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-304 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-304
Renewal of award
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Each award of student assistance is renewable by TSAC annually for the equivalent of four (4) academic years or until such earlier time as a student receives a baccalaureate degree or has expended eight (8) semesters or twelve (12) quarter terms of enrollment. TSAC shall renew an award only upon the student's application and upon verification that the applicant has completed satisfactorily the work of the preceding year, that the applicant remains a resident of the state, and that the applicant's financial situation continues to warrant the award under the applicable provisions of this part and the policies and rules of TSAC. (2) TSAC may grant a leave of absence to recipients entering military service. (b) Each grant for students attending private business schools or private trade and technical schools is renewable by TSAC annually for the equivalent of two (2) academic years, or until such earlier time as a student receives a degree or has expended six (6) quarter terms of enrollment, or until such time as the student receives a diploma or has expended twelve (12) months' time in pursuance of a diploma or expended six (6) months' time in pursuance of a certificate. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 14, eff. 8/1/2020. Acts 1976, ch. 415, § 5; 1977, ch. 351, §§ 3, 5; T.C.A., § 49-5016; Acts 1981, ch. 223, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-50-116.
(a) (1) Each award of student assistance is renewable by TSAC annually for the equivalent of four (4) academic years or until such earlier time as a student receives a baccalaureate degree or has expended eight (8) semesters or twelve (12) quarter terms of enrollment. TSAC shall renew an award only upon the student's application and upon verification that the applicant has completed satisfactorily the work of the preceding year, that the applicant remains a resident of the state, and that the applicant's financial situation continues to warrant the award under the applicable provisions of this part and the policies and rules of TSAC. (2) TSAC may grant a leave of absence to recipients entering military service.
(1) Each award of student assistance is renewable by TSAC annually for the equivalent of four (4) academic years or until such earlier time as a student receives a baccalaureate degree or has expended eight (8) semesters or twelve (12) quarter terms of enrollment. TSAC shall renew an award only upon the student's application and upon verification that the applicant has completed satisfactorily the work of the preceding year, that the applicant remains a resident of the state, and that the applicant's financial situation continues to warrant the award under the applicable provisions of this part and the policies and rules of TSAC.
(2) TSAC may grant a leave of absence to recipients entering military service.
(b) Each grant for students attending private business schools or private trade and technical schools is renewable by TSAC annually for the equivalent of two (2) academic years, or until such earlier time as a student receives a degree or has expended six (6) quarter terms of enrollment, or until such time as the student receives a diploma or has expended twelve (12) months' time in pursuance of a diploma or expended six (6) months' time in pursuance of a certificate.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 14, eff. 8/1/2020.
Acts 1976, ch. 415, § 5; 1977, ch. 351, §§ 3, 5; T.C.A., § 49-5016; Acts 1981, ch. 223, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-50-116.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-407 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-407
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 47, eff. 7/1/2023. Acts 1973, ch. 178, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-1317; Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 23.
Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 47, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 1973, ch. 178, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-1317; Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 23.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2202 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2202
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Institution of higher education" includes any college, community college or university, including the state colleges of applied technology, whether public or private, that is required to submit a copy of the statistics of certain criminal offenses to the secretary of education under 20 U.S.C. § 1070 et. seq.; and (2) "Student housing" means all residence halls and sorority and fraternity residences owned or under the control of the institution of higher education. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 473,s 19, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 1989, ch. 317, § 2; 1992, ch. 656, § 1; 2005, ch. 305, § 3; 2006, ch. 757, § 1.
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Institution of higher education" includes any college, community college or university, including the state colleges of applied technology, whether public or private, that is required to submit a copy of the statistics of certain criminal offenses to the secretary of education under 20 U.S.C. § 1070 et. seq.; and
(2) "Student housing" means all residence halls and sorority and fraternity residences owned or under the control of the institution of higher education.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 473,s 19, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1989, ch. 317, § 2; 1992, ch. 656, § 1; 2005, ch. 305, § 3; 2006, ch. 757, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-1406 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-1406
Electronic transfer of funds authorized
Status: in_force

As the administrator of the investment pool, the state treasurer is authorized to receive, invest, and distribute a participant's funds by means of an electronic transfer or other reasonable methods. Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 324,s 1, eff. 4/28/2015.
As the administrator of the investment pool, the state treasurer is authorized to receive, invest, and distribute a participant's funds by means of an electronic transfer or other reasonable methods.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 324,s 1, eff. 4/28/2015.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-1404 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-1404
Investment and management of funds
Status: in_force

(a) The investment pool shall be invested and managed solely in the interest of the participants in the investment pool in a manner consistent with § 35-14-107 , the prudent investor rule pursuant to § 35-14-103 , the standard of care pursuant to § 35-14-104 , and the exercise of reasonable care in delegation of investment and management functions pursuant to § 35-14-111 . (b) All investments purchased belong jointly to the participants in the investment pool and the participants shall share capital gains, income, and losses pro rata. (c) A participant's principal and income invested in the investment pool shall not constitute the property of the state. The principal and income in the investment pool shall not be commingled with state funds and the state shall have no claim to or against, or interest in such funds. The principal and income in the investment pool shall be preserved, invested, and expended for the benefit of the respective participants. (d) The state treasurer shall keep a separate account, designated by name and number of each participant. Individual transactions and totals of all investments belonging to each participant shall be recorded in the accounts. (e) The state treasurer shall report periodically to every participant having a beneficial interest in the investment pool. (f) The participant shall enter into an agreement with the department of treasury for participation in the investment pool, which shall include fees and expenses assessed by the department against a participant for services related to the investment of the participant's assets. Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 324, s 1, eff. 4/28/2015.
(a) The investment pool shall be invested and managed solely in the interest of the participants in the investment pool in a manner consistent with § 35-14-107 , the prudent investor rule pursuant to § 35-14-103 , the standard of care pursuant to § 35-14-104 , and the exercise of reasonable care in delegation of investment and management functions pursuant to § 35-14-111 .
(b) All investments purchased belong jointly to the participants in the investment pool and the participants shall share capital gains, income, and losses pro rata.
(c) A participant's principal and income invested in the investment pool shall not constitute the property of the state. The principal and income in the investment pool shall not be commingled with state funds and the state shall have no claim to or against, or interest in such funds. The principal and income in the investment pool shall be preserved, invested, and expended for the benefit of the respective participants.
(d) The state treasurer shall keep a separate account, designated by name and number of each participant. Individual transactions and totals of all investments belonging to each participant shall be recorded in the accounts.
(e) The state treasurer shall report periodically to every participant having a beneficial interest in the investment pool.
(f) The participant shall enter into an agreement with the department of treasury for participation in the investment pool, which shall include fees and expenses assessed by the department against a participant for services related to the investment of the participant's assets.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 324, s 1, eff. 4/28/2015.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-601 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-601
General provisions
Status: in_force

(a) The board of trustees of the University of Tennessee is authorized and empowered to: (1) Acquire a suitable site at, near or in the vicinity of the Arnold Engineering Development Center near Tullahoma, and construct on the site buildings and related facilities to be known as the University of Tennessee Space Institute, which, when constructed, equipped and furnished, shall be operated as a part of the University of Tennessee, to train students in science and engineering at the master's, doctoral and post-doctoral level; (2) Attract outstanding teachers, students and research workers interested in work related to aerospace science and engineering; (3) Contract with both government and private agencies for research; and (4) Provide services to aerospace industries through research and through education and training of potential workers. (b) The board is authorized to accept funds from the federal government or any department or agency of the federal government, from any political subdivision of the state or from any individual, firm, corporation, foundation or other person to be used in carrying out this section and for the maintenance and operation of the University of Tennessee Space Institute. The board is authorized to acquire by gift, purchase or the exercise of its power of eminent domain a necessary site or sites for carrying out the purposes of this section. (c) In the event that the federal government makes available to the University of Tennessee a suitable site for the institute, the board may, on behalf of and in the name of the University of Tennessee, accept the title to the site and expend funds for the construction of the institute on the site, upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon between the federal government and the board. Acts 1963, ch. 100, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 49-3348.
(a) The board of trustees of the University of Tennessee is authorized and empowered to: (1) Acquire a suitable site at, near or in the vicinity of the Arnold Engineering Development Center near Tullahoma, and construct on the site buildings and related facilities to be known as the University of Tennessee Space Institute, which, when constructed, equipped and furnished, shall be operated as a part of the University of Tennessee, to train students in science and engineering at the master's, doctoral and post-doctoral level; (2) Attract outstanding teachers, students and research workers interested in work related to aerospace science and engineering; (3) Contract with both government and private agencies for research; and (4) Provide services to aerospace industries through research and through education and training of potential workers.
(1) Acquire a suitable site at, near or in the vicinity of the Arnold Engineering Development Center near Tullahoma, and construct on the site buildings and related facilities to be known as the University of Tennessee Space Institute, which, when constructed, equipped and furnished, shall be operated as a part of the University of Tennessee, to train students in science and engineering at the master's, doctoral and post-doctoral level;
(2) Attract outstanding teachers, students and research workers interested in work related to aerospace science and engineering;
(3) Contract with both government and private agencies for research; and
(4) Provide services to aerospace industries through research and through education and training of potential workers.
(b) The board is authorized to accept funds from the federal government or any department or agency of the federal government, from any political subdivision of the state or from any individual, firm, corporation, foundation or other person to be used in carrying out this section and for the maintenance and operation of the University of Tennessee Space Institute. The board is authorized to acquire by gift, purchase or the exercise of its power of eminent domain a necessary site or sites for carrying out the purposes of this section.
(c) In the event that the federal government makes available to the University of Tennessee a suitable site for the institute, the board may, on behalf of and in the name of the University of Tennessee, accept the title to the site and expend funds for the construction of the institute on the site, upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon between the federal government and the board.
Acts 1963, ch. 100, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 49-3348.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-1208 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-1208
Construction
Status: in_force

(a) This part is declared to be remedial legislation to be liberally construed for the purpose of increased economy and efficiency in the operation of public schools; and, after any plan of consolidation provided for in this part has become effective, no officer or agency of any constituent school system shall retain any power or duty where such retention would be inconsistent with this part or with the plan of consolidation. (b) Nothing in this part shall be construed to alter or repeal any other law prescribing methods and procedures, contractual, cooperative, unilateral or otherwise by which schools or school systems may be operated. Acts 1963, ch. 246, § 14; T.C.A., § 49-429.
(a) This part is declared to be remedial legislation to be liberally construed for the purpose of increased economy and efficiency in the operation of public schools; and, after any plan of consolidation provided for in this part has become effective, no officer or agency of any constituent school system shall retain any power or duty where such retention would be inconsistent with this part or with the plan of consolidation.
(b) Nothing in this part shall be construed to alter or repeal any other law prescribing methods and procedures, contractual, cooperative, unilateral or otherwise by which schools or school systems may be operated.
Acts 1963, ch. 246, § 14; T.C.A., § 49-429.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-1102 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 49-10-1102
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Acts 1986, ch. 843, § 1; repealed by Acts 2018 , ch. 625, § 2, effective July 1, 2018.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-406 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 49-10-406
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 20, eff. 4/11/2019. Acts 1972, ch. 839, § 9; T.C.A., § 49-2951.
Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 20, eff. 4/11/2019.
Acts 1972, ch. 839, § 9; T.C.A., § 49-2951.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-610 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-610
Development of model financial policy
Status: in_force

The office of the comptroller of the treasury is authorized to adopt a model financial policy for school support organizations. Acts 2007, ch. 326, § 11.
The office of the comptroller of the treasury is authorized to adopt a model financial policy for school support organizations.
Acts 2007, ch. 326, § 11.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-8-108 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 49-8-108
Attaining university status
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The Tennessee higher education commission is authorized and empowered to develop reasonable and objective rules and standards for the purpose of determining when degree-granting institutions of higher learning under its jurisdiction have attained the status of a university. (2) The rules and standards shall take into consideration such factors as variety and depth of instructional programs and the various resources of the institution. (b) Whenever a state degree-granting institution of higher learning has achieved the status of a university in accordance with the rules and standards authorized in subsection (a), the commission may designate the degree-granting institution of higher learning a university. (c) Neither this section nor the authorizations conveyed in this section shall have any effect on institutions of higher learning that have already been designated as universities by action of the general assembly. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 869,s 10, eff. 7/1/2016. Acts 1965, ch. 297, §§ 1-3; 1973, ch. 144, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-3229 -- 49-3231.
(a) (1) The Tennessee higher education commission is authorized and empowered to develop reasonable and objective rules and standards for the purpose of determining when degree-granting institutions of higher learning under its jurisdiction have attained the status of a university. (2) The rules and standards shall take into consideration such factors as variety and depth of instructional programs and the various resources of the institution.
(1) The Tennessee higher education commission is authorized and empowered to develop reasonable and objective rules and standards for the purpose of determining when degree-granting institutions of higher learning under its jurisdiction have attained the status of a university.
(2) The rules and standards shall take into consideration such factors as variety and depth of instructional programs and the various resources of the institution.
(b) Whenever a state degree-granting institution of higher learning has achieved the status of a university in accordance with the rules and standards authorized in subsection (a), the commission may designate the degree-granting institution of higher learning a university.
(c) Neither this section nor the authorizations conveyed in this section shall have any effect on institutions of higher learning that have already been designated as universities by action of the general assembly.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 869,s 10, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 1965, ch. 297, §§ 1-3; 1973, ch. 144, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-3229 -- 49-3231.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-817 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-817
Personal interest in investments prohibited
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided, no board member nor employee of the board shall have any personal interest in the gains or profits of any investment made by the board; nor shall any board member or employee of the board, directly or indirectly, for the member or employee or as an agent, in any manner for the member or employee or as an agent, in any manner use the gains or profits except to make the current and necessary payments authorized by the board; nor shall any member or employee of the board become an endorser or surety, or in any manner an obligor, for money loaned to or borrowed from the board. Acts 1996, ch. 991, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-7-815 .
Except as otherwise provided, no board member nor employee of the board shall have any personal interest in the gains or profits of any investment made by the board; nor shall any board member or employee of the board, directly or indirectly, for the member or employee or as an agent, in any manner for the member or employee or as an agent, in any manner use the gains or profits except to make the current and necessary payments authorized by the board; nor shall any member or employee of the board become an endorser or surety, or in any manner an obligor, for money loaned to or borrowed from the board.
Acts 1996, ch. 991, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-7-815 .
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-607 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-607
Strikes - Remedies
Status: in_force

(a) (1) If a strike occurs, the board of education may apply to the chancery court in the county to enjoin the strike. The application shall set forth the facts constituting the strike. (2) If the court finds, after a hearing, that a strike has occurred, the court shall enjoin the employees from participating in the strike. (b) When local boards of education have determined which employees have engaged in or participated in a strike, the employees may be subject to dismissal and, further, shall forfeit their claim to tenure status, if they have attained tenure, and shall revert to probationary status for the next five-year period. Any professional employee who engaged in, or participated in, a strike and who is not a tenured teacher may also be subject to dismissal. (c) No penalty, forfeiture of rights or privileges or other sanction or fine imposed on a professional employees' organization, its officers or members, as the result of a strike, shall be subject to collaborative conferencing by the organization and a board at any time. Acts 1978, ch. 570, § 10; T.C.A., § 49-5509.
(a) (1) If a strike occurs, the board of education may apply to the chancery court in the county to enjoin the strike. The application shall set forth the facts constituting the strike. (2) If the court finds, after a hearing, that a strike has occurred, the court shall enjoin the employees from participating in the strike.
(1) If a strike occurs, the board of education may apply to the chancery court in the county to enjoin the strike. The application shall set forth the facts constituting the strike.
(2) If the court finds, after a hearing, that a strike has occurred, the court shall enjoin the employees from participating in the strike.
(b) When local boards of education have determined which employees have engaged in or participated in a strike, the employees may be subject to dismissal and, further, shall forfeit their claim to tenure status, if they have attained tenure, and shall revert to probationary status for the next five-year period. Any professional employee who engaged in, or participated in, a strike and who is not a tenured teacher may also be subject to dismissal.
(c) No penalty, forfeiture of rights or privileges or other sanction or fine imposed on a professional employees' organization, its officers or members, as the result of a strike, shall be subject to collaborative conferencing by the organization and a board at any time.
Acts 1978, ch. 570, § 10; T.C.A., § 49-5509.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-1704 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-1704
Policy requiring that process of disciplining student for sexual misconduct be free from conflicts of interest - Legal advice to multiple institutional employees not prohibited - Equivalent rights of alleged victim
Status: in_force

(a) An institution must adopt a policy requiring that the process of disciplining a student for sexual misconduct be carried out in a manner that is free from conflicts of interest consistent with due process of law. (b) With respect to student disciplinary hearings other than contested cases under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, the policy must provide for protections for a student accused of sexual misconduct analogous to, and no less protective than, the conflict of interest provisions of § 4-5-303 . (c) Nothing in this part prohibits an attorney for the institution from providing legal advice to multiple institutional employees who serve in different roles in the process of disciplining a student for sexual misconduct. (d) Nothing in this part prohibits an institution from providing an alleged victim of sexual misconduct with equivalent rights as the student accused of sexual misconduct in an investigation, student disciplinary proceeding, or appeal. Acts 2018 , ch. 980, § 11.
(a) An institution must adopt a policy requiring that the process of disciplining a student for sexual misconduct be carried out in a manner that is free from conflicts of interest consistent with due process of law.
(b) With respect to student disciplinary hearings other than contested cases under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, the policy must provide for protections for a student accused of sexual misconduct analogous to, and no less protective than, the conflict of interest provisions of § 4-5-303 .
(c) Nothing in this part prohibits an attorney for the institution from providing legal advice to multiple institutional employees who serve in different roles in the process of disciplining a student for sexual misconduct.
(d) Nothing in this part prohibits an institution from providing an alleged victim of sexual misconduct with equivalent rights as the student accused of sexual misconduct in an investigation, student disciplinary proceeding, or appeal.
Acts 2018 , ch. 980, § 11.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-8-1001 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 49-8-1001
Mission of college expanded - Change of name
Status: in_force

The mission of the Northeast State Community College includes comprehensive one- and two-year occupational, college parallel, continuing education and community service programs, and the institution shall be renamed the Northeast State Community College. Acts 1989, ch. 80, § 2; 2009, ch. 352, § 4.
The mission of the Northeast State Community College includes comprehensive one- and two-year occupational, college parallel, continuing education and community service programs, and the institution shall be renamed the Northeast State Community College.
Acts 1989, ch. 80, § 2; 2009, ch. 352, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-11-906 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 49-11-906
Promulgation of rules
Status: in_force

THEC may promulgate rules to effectuate the purposes of this part in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 468,s 10, eff. 7/1/2019. Added by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 991,s 2, eff. 5/21/2018.
THEC may promulgate rules to effectuate the purposes of this part in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 468,s 10, eff. 7/1/2019.
Added by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 991,s 2, eff. 5/21/2018.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-1204 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-1204
Lists of art supplies certified nontoxic
Status: in_force

(a) The commissioner of education shall make access to the list of art supplies that are certified nontoxic by the Arts and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) available to all school districts in this state and shall make the list available to preschools, childcare centers and other businesses and organizations that involve children in the use of art supplies. (b) The commissioner of education shall inform school districts of the requirements of this part and shall encourage school districts to dispose of art supplies that do not bear the approved product (AP) or certified product (CP) seal certifying that the product is safe and contains no materials in sufficient quantities to be toxic or injurious to children. (c) The commissioner of education shall post on the website of the department appropriate resources for identifying whether a product is certified nontoxic by the Arts and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) and other information concerning the safety of art supplies as deemed appropriate by the commissioner. Acts 1985, ch. 348, § 4; 2008, ch. 862, § 2.
(a) The commissioner of education shall make access to the list of art supplies that are certified nontoxic by the Arts and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) available to all school districts in this state and shall make the list available to preschools, childcare centers and other businesses and organizations that involve children in the use of art supplies.
(b) The commissioner of education shall inform school districts of the requirements of this part and shall encourage school districts to dispose of art supplies that do not bear the approved product (AP) or certified product (CP) seal certifying that the product is safe and contains no materials in sufficient quantities to be toxic or injurious to children.
(c) The commissioner of education shall post on the website of the department appropriate resources for identifying whether a product is certified nontoxic by the Arts and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) and other information concerning the safety of art supplies as deemed appropriate by the commissioner.
Acts 1985, ch. 348, § 4; 2008, ch. 862, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-11-410 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 49-11-410
Construction with other statutes
Status: in_force

This part shall prevail, notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in any other act of the general assembly. Acts 1963, ch. 229, § 10; T.C.A., § 49-2618.
This part shall prevail, notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in any other act of the general assembly.
Acts 1963, ch. 229, § 10; T.C.A., § 49-2618.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-404 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-404
State board of education - Powers
Status: in_force

The state board of education may: (1) Provide for appropriate DARE training for students before entering middle school. The training may be conducted at the sixth grade level or at such other time as is necessary for students to receive training before entering middle school; (2) Approve the usage of textbooks and other educational materials to be used by students enrolled in DARE courses; and (3) Authorize LEAs to include DARE curricula among the courses offered within area schools. Acts 1989, ch. 322, § 5.
The state board of education may:
(1) Provide for appropriate DARE training for students before entering middle school. The training may be conducted at the sixth grade level or at such other time as is necessary for students to receive training before entering middle school;
(2) Approve the usage of textbooks and other educational materials to be used by students enrolled in DARE courses; and
(3) Authorize LEAs to include DARE curricula among the courses offered within area schools.
Acts 1989, ch. 322, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-701 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-701
State board of education - Rules and regulations
Status: in_force

(a) The state board of education shall adopt rules and regulations setting up sick leave and personal and professional leave for the teachers in the public schools of this state, and for payment of substitute teachers. Every LEA shall participate in the state leave plan as established in this part. (b) The state board of education shall prescribe forms and procedures to be followed by the local boards of education participating in the state leave plan. The commissioner of education may withhold state leave funds from any participating system that fails to comply with this section or the implementing rules and regulations of the state board of education. Acts 1955, ch. 136, § 18; 1957, ch. 75, § 1; 1959, ch. 93, § 1; 1967, ch. 396, § 1; 1968, ch. 420, §§ 1, 2; 1971, ch. 128, § 1; 1971, ch. 421, § 1; 1973, ch. 2, § 1; 1974, ch. 488, § 1; 1975, ch. 46, §§ 1, 2; 1975, ch. 100, § 2; 1977, ch. 364, § 2; 1978, ch. 557, § 2; 1979, ch. 78, § 1; 1980, ch. 544, § 1; 1980, ch. 567, § 1; 1981, ch. 282, §§ 1, 2; 1982, ch. 674, §§ 3, 4; T.C.A., § 49-1314(a), (e); Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 27.
(a) The state board of education shall adopt rules and regulations setting up sick leave and personal and professional leave for the teachers in the public schools of this state, and for payment of substitute teachers. Every LEA shall participate in the state leave plan as established in this part.
(b) The state board of education shall prescribe forms and procedures to be followed by the local boards of education participating in the state leave plan. The commissioner of education may withhold state leave funds from any participating system that fails to comply with this section or the implementing rules and regulations of the state board of education.
Acts 1955, ch. 136, § 18; 1957, ch. 75, § 1; 1959, ch. 93, § 1; 1967, ch. 396, § 1; 1968, ch. 420, §§ 1, 2; 1971, ch. 128, § 1; 1971, ch. 421, § 1; 1973, ch. 2, § 1; 1974, ch. 488, § 1; 1975, ch. 46, §§ 1, 2; 1975, ch. 100, § 2; 1977, ch. 364, § 2; 1978, ch. 557, § 2; 1979, ch. 78, § 1; 1980, ch. 544, § 1; 1980, ch. 567, § 1; 1981, ch. 282, §§ 1, 2; 1982, ch. 674, §§ 3, 4; T.C.A., § 49-1314(a), (e); Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 27.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-204 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-204
Promulgation of rules
Status: in_force

The Tennessee student assistance corporation is authorized and directed to promulgate rules governing the making of awards of financial assistance to students that the corporation deems necessary to carry out and to make effective the purposes of parts 2, 3, and 6-9 of this chapter. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 10, eff. 8/1/2020. Acts 1974, ch. 620, § 4; 1976, ch. 415, § 11; 1977, ch. 282, § 3; 1980, ch. 711, § 14; T.C.A., § 49-5004; Acts 1982, ch. 861, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-50-104 .
The Tennessee student assistance corporation is authorized and directed to promulgate rules governing the making of awards of financial assistance to students that the corporation deems necessary to carry out and to make effective the purposes of parts 2, 3, and 6-9 of this chapter.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 10, eff. 8/1/2020.
Acts 1974, ch. 620, § 4; 1976, ch. 415, § 11; 1977, ch. 282, § 3; 1980, ch. 711, § 14; T.C.A., § 49-5004; Acts 1982, ch. 861, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-50-104 .
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-112 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-112
Licensure to teach in grades nine through twelve for person who has taught at eligible postsecondary institution
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the department shall issue a license to teach in grades nine through twelve (9-12) to any person who has taught at an eligible postsecondary institution as defined in § 49-4-902 and who meets the qualifications listed in this section. The license shall bear an endorsement to teach only in the subject area in which the person taught at the eligible postsecondary institution. (b) Any applicant seeking teacher licensure pursuant to this section shall: (1) (A) Have been a full-time college professor or instructor for at least two (2) of the last five (5) years at an eligible postsecondary institution that is accredited by a regional accrediting association, as defined by § 49-4-902 ; or (B) Have been a part-time college professor or instructor, teaching at least one (1) course per semester, for at least three (3) of the last five (5) years at an eligible postsecondary institution that is accredited by a regional accrediting association, as defined by § 49-4-902 ; (2) Submit for review by the department or a partnering institution of higher education at least three (3) years of documented teaching evaluations that rate the applicant for licensure as proficient or better in the subject area in which the applicant is seeking licensure. The teaching evaluations required by this subdivision (b)(2) shall have been administered by the institution at which the applicant taught. The department is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to define proficiency in evaluations; and (3) Successfully complete all exams required for licensure for the subject area in which the applicant is seeking licensure. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 36, eff. 5/2/2019. Acts 2012, ch. 1072, § 1.
(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the department shall issue a license to teach in grades nine through twelve (9-12) to any person who has taught at an eligible postsecondary institution as defined in § 49-4-902 and who meets the qualifications listed in this section. The license shall bear an endorsement to teach only in the subject area in which the person taught at the eligible postsecondary institution.
(b) Any applicant seeking teacher licensure pursuant to this section shall: (1) (A) Have been a full-time college professor or instructor for at least two (2) of the last five (5) years at an eligible postsecondary institution that is accredited by a regional accrediting association, as defined by § 49-4-902 ; or (B) Have been a part-time college professor or instructor, teaching at least one (1) course per semester, for at least three (3) of the last five (5) years at an eligible postsecondary institution that is accredited by a regional accrediting association, as defined by § 49-4-902 ; (2) Submit for review by the department or a partnering institution of higher education at least three (3) years of documented teaching evaluations that rate the applicant for licensure as proficient or better in the subject area in which the applicant is seeking licensure. The teaching evaluations required by this subdivision (b)(2) shall have been administered by the institution at which the applicant taught. The department is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to define proficiency in evaluations; and (3) Successfully complete all exams required for licensure for the subject area in which the applicant is seeking licensure.
(1) (A) Have been a full-time college professor or instructor for at least two (2) of the last five (5) years at an eligible postsecondary institution that is accredited by a regional accrediting association, as defined by § 49-4-902 ; or (B) Have been a part-time college professor or instructor, teaching at least one (1) course per semester, for at least three (3) of the last five (5) years at an eligible postsecondary institution that is accredited by a regional accrediting association, as defined by § 49-4-902 ;
(A) Have been a full-time college professor or instructor for at least two (2) of the last five (5) years at an eligible postsecondary institution that is accredited by a regional accrediting association, as defined by § 49-4-902 ; or
(B) Have been a part-time college professor or instructor, teaching at least one (1) course per semester, for at least three (3) of the last five (5) years at an eligible postsecondary institution that is accredited by a regional accrediting association, as defined by § 49-4-902 ;
(2) Submit for review by the department or a partnering institution of higher education at least three (3) years of documented teaching evaluations that rate the applicant for licensure as proficient or better in the subject area in which the applicant is seeking licensure. The teaching evaluations required by this subdivision (b)(2) shall have been administered by the institution at which the applicant taught. The department is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to define proficiency in evaluations; and
(3) Successfully complete all exams required for licensure for the subject area in which the applicant is seeking licensure.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 36, eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 2012, ch. 1072, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-138 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-138
Preference for admission to state residents
Status: in_force

The institutions of the University of Tennessee system and the state university and community college system shall adopt a policy concerning preference for admission to residents of this state. Acts 2006, ch. 950, § 1.
The institutions of the University of Tennessee system and the state university and community college system shall adopt a policy concerning preference for admission to residents of this state.
Acts 2006, ch. 950, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-18-108 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 18 / Section 49-18-108
Adoption of policy regarding extended learning opportunities
Status: in_force

The state board shall adopt a policy regarding extended learning opportunities. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 929,s 7, eff. 7/1/2022.
The state board shall adopt a policy regarding extended learning opportunities.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 929,s 7, eff. 7/1/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-304 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-304
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023. Acts 1977, ch. 289, § 18; T.C.A., § 49-622.
Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 1977, ch. 289, § 18; T.C.A., § 49-622.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2014 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2014
Fees
Status: in_force

(a) The commission is authorized to set fees annually based on the intent to collect revenues sufficient to fully fund all costs of this regulatory function. (b) All fees collected pursuant to this part shall be deposited in the state treasury credited to a special agency account to administer this part. (c) The fees collected by the commission must accompany an application for authorization of an institution, or other application or request, in accordance with the schedule set out in the rules promulgated pursuant to this chapter. All fees must be stated as a flat fee. (d) Eligible institutions pursuing optional expedited authorization from the commission shall be subject to a flat annual fee collected by the commission and shall be exempt from all other fees under this part. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 24, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 23, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 868, s 7, eff. 10/1/2016. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 868, s 6, eff. 10/1/2016. Acts 1961, ch. 112, § 17; 1974, ch. 781, § 17; T.C.A., § 49-3917; Acts 1989, ch. 425, §§ 15-17; 1992, ch. 1026, § 6; 2006, ch. 766, § 6.
(a) The commission is authorized to set fees annually based on the intent to collect revenues sufficient to fully fund all costs of this regulatory function.
(b) All fees collected pursuant to this part shall be deposited in the state treasury credited to a special agency account to administer this part.
(c) The fees collected by the commission must accompany an application for authorization of an institution, or other application or request, in accordance with the schedule set out in the rules promulgated pursuant to this chapter. All fees must be stated as a flat fee.
(d) Eligible institutions pursuing optional expedited authorization from the commission shall be subject to a flat annual fee collected by the commission and shall be exempt from all other fees under this part.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 24, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 23, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 868, s 7, eff. 10/1/2016.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 868, s 6, eff. 10/1/2016.
Acts 1961, ch. 112, § 17; 1974, ch. 781, § 17; T.C.A., § 49-3917; Acts 1989, ch. 425, §§ 15-17; 1992, ch. 1026, § 6; 2006, ch. 766, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2208 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-2208
Disposal of surplus textbooks and instructional materials
Status: in_force

(a) When textbooks and instructional materials are replaced or otherwise become unusable, they may be declared surplus property by the local board or director of schools, and may be disposed of by any of the methods provided by § 12-2-403(a)(1)-(4) or by other methods approved by the local board of education. (b) The proceeds from disposals shall be utilized to supplement textbook and instructional materials purchasing funds. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 981,s 20, eff. 1/1/2015. Acts 1981, ch. 68, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-2022.
(a) When textbooks and instructional materials are replaced or otherwise become unusable, they may be declared surplus property by the local board or director of schools, and may be disposed of by any of the methods provided by § 12-2-403(a)(1)-(4) or by other methods approved by the local board of education.
(b) The proceeds from disposals shall be utilized to supplement textbook and instructional materials purchasing funds.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 981,s 20, eff. 1/1/2015.
Acts 1981, ch. 68, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-414 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-414
Emergency first-aid personnel - Employee volunteers - Training
Status: in_force

Every public elementary and secondary school in this state is encouraged to have in its employ, or as a volunteer, at least one (1), preferably more, persons who are currently certified by the American Red Cross or another qualified certifying agency approved by the department of education, as qualified to administer emergency first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The local board of education is authorized to allocate up to six and one-half (61/2) hours a year of in-service days established pursuant to § 49-6-3004 to conduct training programs for teachers and other personnel who have expressed an interest in becoming qualified to administer emergency first aid and CPR. Acts 1995, ch. 360, § 1; 2004, ch. 886, § 2.
Every public elementary and secondary school in this state is encouraged to have in its employ, or as a volunteer, at least one (1), preferably more, persons who are currently certified by the American Red Cross or another qualified certifying agency approved by the department of education, as qualified to administer emergency first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The local board of education is authorized to allocate up to six and one-half (61/2) hours a year of in-service days established pursuant to § 49-6-3004 to conduct training programs for teachers and other personnel who have expressed an interest in becoming qualified to administer emergency first aid and CPR.
Acts 1995, ch. 360, § 1; 2004, ch. 886, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2209 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-2209
Existing contracts preserved
Status: repealed

Nothing in this part shall be construed as cancelling or in any manner modifying any existing contract with a publisher, or changing the period covered by such contract. Acts 2014, ch. 981.
Nothing in this part shall be construed as cancelling or in any manner modifying any existing contract with a publisher, or changing the period covered by such contract.
Acts 2014, ch. 981.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-8-117 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 49-8-117
Support staff - Grievance procedure
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The board of regents, each state university board, and the University of Tennessee shall establish a grievance procedure for all support staff employees. (2) "Support staff" means employees who are neither faculty nor executive, administrative, or professional staff of any institution or board subject to this chapter and the University of Tennessee. (3) Support staff shall be given every opportunity to resolve bona fide grievances through the grievance procedure. Every reasonable effort shall be made to resolve grievances at the lowest possible step in the procedure. (4) Employees using or involved in the grievance procedure shall be entitled to pursue their grievances without fear, restraint, interference, discrimination or reprisal. (b) (1) A grievance must be filed at the appropriate step in the grievance procedure within fifteen (15) working days after the employee receives notice or becomes aware of the action that is the basis for the grievance. (2) "Grievance" means a complaint about one (1) or more of the following matters: (A) Demotion, suspension without pay or termination for cause; or (B) Work assignments or conditions of work that violate statute or policy. (3) Any complaint about demotion, suspension without pay or termination for cause shall receive a hearing covered under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, part 3. In issues involving unlawful discrimination and harassment, the employee may choose a hearing under that act or the panel hearing. (4) Standard grievance forms shall be developed and made available to support staff at each worksite. No grievance may be denied because a standard form has not been used. (5) The grievance procedure shall include no more than four (4) steps to finality. (6) The grievance procedure shall include the opportunity for a face-to-face meeting within fifteen (15) days after the grievance is filed, and within fifteen (15) days after each subsequent step in the procedure is initiated. (7) The grievant shall receive a written decision with specific reasons stated for the decision within fifteen (15) working days after a face-to-face meeting occurs. (8) The grievant and any material witnesses shall be allowed to testify fully at every step in the grievance procedure. (9) The grievance procedure shall include an unbiased commission or panel as the final step for processing grievances regarding work assignments or conditions of work not otherwise covered in subdivision (b)(3). The decision of the panel is subject to review by the president. (10) At every step in the grievance procedure other than a Uniform Administrative Procedures Act hearing, the grievant shall be entitled to be accompanied and represented by an employee representative from the institution. Other employee representatives may be allowed at the panel hearing at the discretion of the panel chair. (c) The board of regents, each state university board, and the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee shall provide an annual report to the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives summarizing grievance activities of the previous year. (d) Each institution shall include information regarding the grievance procedure in employee orientations. (e) Each institution governed by the board of regents, a state university board, or the board of trustees for the University of Tennessee shall make the grievance procedure for the institution's support staff employees available on its website. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 891, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 107, eff. 3/29/2021. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 121, eff. 5/10/2019. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 869, s 16, eff. 7/1/2016. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 869, s 15, eff. 7/1/2016. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 76, eff. 4/17/2015. Acts 1993, ch. 301; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (ff).
(a) (1) The board of regents, each state university board, and the University of Tennessee shall establish a grievance procedure for all support staff employees. (2) "Support staff" means employees who are neither faculty nor executive, administrative, or professional staff of any institution or board subject to this chapter and the University of Tennessee. (3) Support staff shall be given every opportunity to resolve bona fide grievances through the grievance procedure. Every reasonable effort shall be made to resolve grievances at the lowest possible step in the procedure. (4) Employees using or involved in the grievance procedure shall be entitled to pursue their grievances without fear, restraint, interference, discrimination or reprisal.
(1) The board of regents, each state university board, and the University of Tennessee shall establish a grievance procedure for all support staff employees.
(2) "Support staff" means employees who are neither faculty nor executive, administrative, or professional staff of any institution or board subject to this chapter and the University of Tennessee.
(3) Support staff shall be given every opportunity to resolve bona fide grievances through the grievance procedure. Every reasonable effort shall be made to resolve grievances at the lowest possible step in the procedure.
(4) Employees using or involved in the grievance procedure shall be entitled to pursue their grievances without fear, restraint, interference, discrimination or reprisal.
(b) (1) A grievance must be filed at the appropriate step in the grievance procedure within fifteen (15) working days after the employee receives notice or becomes aware of the action that is the basis for the grievance. (2) "Grievance" means a complaint about one (1) or more of the following matters: (A) Demotion, suspension without pay or termination for cause; or (B) Work assignments or conditions of work that violate statute or policy. (3) Any complaint about demotion, suspension without pay or termination for cause shall receive a hearing covered under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, part 3. In issues involving unlawful discrimination and harassment, the employee may choose a hearing under that act or the panel hearing. (4) Standard grievance forms shall be developed and made available to support staff at each worksite. No grievance may be denied because a standard form has not been used. (5) The grievance procedure shall include no more than four (4) steps to finality. (6) The grievance procedure shall include the opportunity for a face-to-face meeting within fifteen (15) days after the grievance is filed, and within fifteen (15) days after each subsequent step in the procedure is initiated. (7) The grievant shall receive a written decision with specific reasons stated for the decision within fifteen (15) working days after a face-to-face meeting occurs. (8) The grievant and any material witnesses shall be allowed to testify fully at every step in the grievance procedure. (9) The grievance procedure shall include an unbiased commission or panel as the final step for processing grievances regarding work assignments or conditions of work not otherwise covered in subdivision (b)(3). The decision of the panel is subject to review by the president. (10) At every step in the grievance procedure other than a Uniform Administrative Procedures Act hearing, the grievant shall be entitled to be accompanied and represented by an employee representative from the institution. Other employee representatives may be allowed at the panel hearing at the discretion of the panel chair.
(1) A grievance must be filed at the appropriate step in the grievance procedure within fifteen (15) working days after the employee receives notice or becomes aware of the action that is the basis for the grievance.
(2) "Grievance" means a complaint about one (1) or more of the following matters: (A) Demotion, suspension without pay or termination for cause; or (B) Work assignments or conditions of work that violate statute or policy.
(A) Demotion, suspension without pay or termination for cause; or
(B) Work assignments or conditions of work that violate statute or policy.
(3) Any complaint about demotion, suspension without pay or termination for cause shall receive a hearing covered under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, part 3. In issues involving unlawful discrimination and harassment, the employee may choose a hearing under that act or the panel hearing.
(4) Standard grievance forms shall be developed and made available to support staff at each worksite. No grievance may be denied because a standard form has not been used.
(5) The grievance procedure shall include no more than four (4) steps to finality.
(6) The grievance procedure shall include the opportunity for a face-to-face meeting within fifteen (15) days after the grievance is filed, and within fifteen (15) days after each subsequent step in the procedure is initiated.
(7) The grievant shall receive a written decision with specific reasons stated for the decision within fifteen (15) working days after a face-to-face meeting occurs.
(8) The grievant and any material witnesses shall be allowed to testify fully at every step in the grievance procedure.
(9) The grievance procedure shall include an unbiased commission or panel as the final step for processing grievances regarding work assignments or conditions of work not otherwise covered in subdivision (b)(3). The decision of the panel is subject to review by the president.
(10) At every step in the grievance procedure other than a Uniform Administrative Procedures Act hearing, the grievant shall be entitled to be accompanied and represented by an employee representative from the institution. Other employee representatives may be allowed at the panel hearing at the discretion of the panel chair.
(c) The board of regents, each state university board, and the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee shall provide an annual report to the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives summarizing grievance activities of the previous year.
(d) Each institution shall include information regarding the grievance procedure in employee orientations.
(e) Each institution governed by the board of regents, a state university board, or the board of trustees for the University of Tennessee shall make the grievance procedure for the institution's support staff employees available on its website.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 891, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 107, eff. 3/29/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 121, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 869, s 16, eff. 7/1/2016.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 869, s 15, eff. 7/1/2016.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 76, eff. 4/17/2015.
Acts 1993, ch. 301; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (ff).
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-903 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-903
Purposes of part
Status: in_force

In light of the findings described in § 49-7-902 , the general assembly declares the purposes of this part to be to: (1) Encourage education and the means of education; (2) Encourage attendance at institutions of higher education; (3) Provide students and their parents financing assistance for postsecondary education; (4) Help provide the benefits of higher education to the people of this state; and (5) Encourage elementary and secondary students in this state to achieve high standards of performance. Acts 1989, ch. 190, § 4.
In light of the findings described in § 49-7-902 , the general assembly declares the purposes of this part to be to:
(1) Encourage education and the means of education;
(2) Encourage attendance at institutions of higher education;
(3) Provide students and their parents financing assistance for postsecondary education;
(4) Help provide the benefits of higher education to the people of this state; and
(5) Encourage elementary and secondary students in this state to achieve high standards of performance.
Acts 1989, ch. 190, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2008 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-2008
Persons improperly on school premises - Assault upon educational personnel
Status: in_force

(a) In order to maintain the conditions and atmosphere suitable for learning, no person shall enter onto school buses, or during school hours, enter upon the grounds or into the buildings of any school, except students assigned to that bus or school, the staff of the school, parents of students and other persons with lawful and valid business on the bus or school premises. (b) Any person improperly on the premises of a school shall depart on the request of the school principal or other authorized person. (c) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor. (d) In addition to any criminal penalty provided by law, there is created a civil cause of action for an intentional assault upon educational personnel by any person during school hours or during school functions, if the parties are on school grounds or in vehicles owned, leased or under contract by the LEA and used for transporting students or faculty. A person who commits such assault shall be liable to the victim for all damages resulting from the assault, including compensatory and punitive damages. Upon prevailing, a victim shall be entitled to three (3) times the amount of the actual damages and shall be entitled to reasonable attorney fees and costs. (e) In order to maintain safety on school buses, each LEA shall post a notice in a conspicuous place on each school bus in operation by the LEA to notify others that no person shall enter onto school buses except for those authorized pursuant to subsection (a). The notice must include appropriate contact information in case of an issue on the school bus. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 548,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024. Acts 1981, ch. 368, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-818; Acts 1990, ch. 783, §§ 1-3; 1998, ch. 875, § 1.
(a) In order to maintain the conditions and atmosphere suitable for learning, no person shall enter onto school buses, or during school hours, enter upon the grounds or into the buildings of any school, except students assigned to that bus or school, the staff of the school, parents of students and other persons with lawful and valid business on the bus or school premises.
(b) Any person improperly on the premises of a school shall depart on the request of the school principal or other authorized person.
(c) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) In addition to any criminal penalty provided by law, there is created a civil cause of action for an intentional assault upon educational personnel by any person during school hours or during school functions, if the parties are on school grounds or in vehicles owned, leased or under contract by the LEA and used for transporting students or faculty. A person who commits such assault shall be liable to the victim for all damages resulting from the assault, including compensatory and punitive damages. Upon prevailing, a victim shall be entitled to three (3) times the amount of the actual damages and shall be entitled to reasonable attorney fees and costs.
(e) In order to maintain safety on school buses, each LEA shall post a notice in a conspicuous place on each school bus in operation by the LEA to notify others that no person shall enter onto school buses except for those authorized pursuant to subsection (a). The notice must include appropriate contact information in case of an issue on the school bus.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 548,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1981, ch. 368, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-818; Acts 1990, ch. 783, §§ 1-3; 1998, ch. 875, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-603 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-603
Rights of professional employees
Status: in_force

Professional employees have the right to self-organization, to form, join or be assisted by organizations, to participate in collaborative conferencing with local boards of education through representatives of their own choosing and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of other mutual aid and benefit; provided, that professional employees also have the right to refrain from any or all such activities. Acts 1978, ch. 570, § 7; T.C.A., § 49-5506.
Professional employees have the right to self-organization, to form, join or be assisted by organizations, to participate in collaborative conferencing with local boards of education through representatives of their own choosing and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of other mutual aid and benefit; provided, that professional employees also have the right to refrain from any or all such activities.
Acts 1978, ch. 570, § 7; T.C.A., § 49-5506.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2118 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-2118
Policies and procedures for students exiting school bus at stop other than regular bus stop - Bus drivers' responsibilities - Unruly students
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Each LEA shall adopt policies and procedures for transportation of students that include policies and procedures concerning the exiting of a school bus by a student at a point other than the student's destination for the trip. The policies and procedures shall at least require that a student whom a parent or guardian desires to exit a school bus at a destination other than the student's regular bus stop on the student's return bus route after dismissal of school shall provide the bus driver with a signed note from the parent or guardian informing the driver of the change in the student's bus stop for that day. The driver shall be required to turn the signed note over to the student's school principal or other school authority as soon as practicable after completion of the route. (2) An LEA may adopt more stringent policies and procedures than the requirements of subdivision (a)(1) with respect to a student's exiting the bus at a point other than the student's regular bus stop, including a policy that does not permit a student to exit at a point other than the student's regular bus stop. (b) Each LEA, prior to the beginning of each school year or upon hire of a school bus driver during the school year, shall assure that every school bus driver knows and understands the LEA's policies and procedures concerning transportation, including, but not limited to, bus drivers' responsibilities and duties with regard to a student exiting a bus at a point other than the student's destination for the trip. (c) No school bus driver shall require or permit a student to exit a bus in violation of the LEA's policies and procedures. However, nothing in this section shall prevent an LEA from adopting policies and procedures for management of unruly students on school buses, including the ejection of a student when necessary for the safety of other student passengers or the bus driver; provided, that the driver secures the safety of that student for the uncompleted trip. The director of schools shall immediately review the fitness to drive of a school bus driver who permits or requires a student to exit a bus in violation of the LEA's policies and procedures. (d) A driver shall report to school authorities as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the route, any student refusing to obey the driver and exiting the bus without the driver's permission at a point other than the student's destination for that trip. Acts 2007, ch. 261, § 1.
(a) (1) Each LEA shall adopt policies and procedures for transportation of students that include policies and procedures concerning the exiting of a school bus by a student at a point other than the student's destination for the trip. The policies and procedures shall at least require that a student whom a parent or guardian desires to exit a school bus at a destination other than the student's regular bus stop on the student's return bus route after dismissal of school shall provide the bus driver with a signed note from the parent or guardian informing the driver of the change in the student's bus stop for that day. The driver shall be required to turn the signed note over to the student's school principal or other school authority as soon as practicable after completion of the route. (2) An LEA may adopt more stringent policies and procedures than the requirements of subdivision (a)(1) with respect to a student's exiting the bus at a point other than the student's regular bus stop, including a policy that does not permit a student to exit at a point other than the student's regular bus stop.
(1) Each LEA shall adopt policies and procedures for transportation of students that include policies and procedures concerning the exiting of a school bus by a student at a point other than the student's destination for the trip. The policies and procedures shall at least require that a student whom a parent or guardian desires to exit a school bus at a destination other than the student's regular bus stop on the student's return bus route after dismissal of school shall provide the bus driver with a signed note from the parent or guardian informing the driver of the change in the student's bus stop for that day. The driver shall be required to turn the signed note over to the student's school principal or other school authority as soon as practicable after completion of the route.
(2) An LEA may adopt more stringent policies and procedures than the requirements of subdivision (a)(1) with respect to a student's exiting the bus at a point other than the student's regular bus stop, including a policy that does not permit a student to exit at a point other than the student's regular bus stop.
(b) Each LEA, prior to the beginning of each school year or upon hire of a school bus driver during the school year, shall assure that every school bus driver knows and understands the LEA's policies and procedures concerning transportation, including, but not limited to, bus drivers' responsibilities and duties with regard to a student exiting a bus at a point other than the student's destination for the trip.
(c) No school bus driver shall require or permit a student to exit a bus in violation of the LEA's policies and procedures. However, nothing in this section shall prevent an LEA from adopting policies and procedures for management of unruly students on school buses, including the ejection of a student when necessary for the safety of other student passengers or the bus driver; provided, that the driver secures the safety of that student for the uncompleted trip. The director of schools shall immediately review the fitness to drive of a school bus driver who permits or requires a student to exit a bus in violation of the LEA's policies and procedures.
(d) A driver shall report to school authorities as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the route, any student refusing to obey the driver and exiting the bus without the driver's permission at a point other than the student's destination for that trip.
Acts 2007, ch. 261, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-1101 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-1101
Short title
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Educational Institutions Law of 1943." Acts 1943, ch. 135, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 2316.1 (Williams, § 2316.13); modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-3501.
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Educational Institutions Law of 1943."
Acts 1943, ch. 135, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 2316.1 (Williams, § 2316.13); modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-3501.