reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 34 - SUSPENSION OF STUDENTS (§§ 49-6-3401 — 49-6-3405) › Section 49-6-3405 - Alternative school success

(a)
(1)
Each LEA shall track the operation and performance of alternative school programs operated by the LEA or contractually operated for the LEA. LEAs shall measure and report to the department of education alternative school success through academic indicators and behavior indicators.
(2)
Academic indicators shall include, but not be limited to, grade point averages or other student academic performance measures, performance on the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP), performance on the end-of-course assessments, attendance, dropout rates and graduation rates, for students in alternative schools or who have been in alternative schools.
(3)
Behavioral indicators shall include, but not be limited to, disciplinary reports and subsequent remands to alternative schools.
(4)
The department of education shall provide guidance in the reporting of the required data.
(b)
The state board of education shall seek to improve performance of alternative school programs by promulgating or revising rules and regulations requiring greater accountability by the department of education and LEAs for outcomes of students served by alternative schools.
Acts 2007, ch. 517, § 2; 2009, ch. 262, § 5.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 35 - CLASS SIZE REDUCTION (§§ 49-6-3501 — 49-6-3504) › Section 49-6-3501 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 43, eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 1985, ch. 463, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 35 - CLASS SIZE REDUCTION (§§ 49-6-3501 — 49-6-3504) › Section 49-6-3502 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 43, eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 1985, ch. 463, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 35 - CLASS SIZE REDUCTION (§§ 49-6-3501 — 49-6-3504) › Section 49-6-3503 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 43, eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 1985, ch. 463, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 35 - CLASS SIZE REDUCTION (§§ 49-6-3501 — 49-6-3504) › Section 49-6-3504 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 43, eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 1985, ch. 463, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 36 - SCHOOL TURNAROUND PILOT PROGRAM ACT (§§ 49-6-3601 — 49-6-3603) › Section 49-6-3602 - Website guidelines and other materials about sudden cardiac arrest and EKG testing - Sudden cardiac arrest symptoms and warning signs information sheet

(a)
The departments of education and health shall develop and post on the departments' respective websites guidelines and other relevant materials to inform and educate students, parents, and coaches about:
(1)
The nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest and the risks associated with continuing to play or practice after experiencing one (1) or more symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest, which include fainting, difficulty breathing, chest pains, dizziness, and an abnormal racing heart rate;
(2)
Electrocardiogram (EKG) testing; and
(3)
The student's or parent's option to request, from the student's family medical provider, that an electrocardiogram (EKG) be administered in addition to the student's comprehensive initial pre-participation physical examination, at a cost to be incurred by the student or the student's parent.
(b)
The department of education, in collaboration with the department of health, shall develop a sudden cardiac arrest symptoms and warning signs information sheet that includes information about electrocardiogram (EKG) testing for purposes of §
49-6-3603
. The information sheet must address the benefits and limitations of EKG testing.
(c)
In developing the guidelines and materials under subsection (a), the departments may utilize materials developed by outside organizations.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 578, s 1, eff. 5/27/2021.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 36 - SCHOOL TURNAROUND PILOT PROGRAM ACT (§§ 49-6-3601 — 49-6-3603) › Section 49-6-3603 - Acknowledgment form - Informational meeting or video on website

(a)
A student participating in, or seeking to participate in, an athletic activity, and the student's parent or guardian must sign and return to the student's public school an acknowledgement of their receipt and review of a sudden cardiac arrest symptoms and warning signs information sheet developed by the department of education that includes information about electrocardiogram (EKG) testing. The acknowledgement form required under this subsection (a) must be signed and returned each year that a student participates in, or seeks to participate in, an athletic activity.
(b)
Each LEA and public charter school shall hold an informational meeting before the start of each school athletic season or publish a video on the LEA's or public charter school's website for students, parents, coaches, and school officials to learn about the symptoms and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest; heat illness; concussions and other head injuries; and other health, safety, and wellness issues related to sports participation, and to receive information about electrocardiogram (EKG) testing and each of the safety plans and policies implemented in the LEA pursuant to §
49-6-3601(b)(2)
. Physicians, pediatric cardiologists, and athletic trainers may participate in the informational meeting.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 578, s 1, eff. 5/27/2021.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 37 - TEACHER'S DISCIPLINE ACT (§§ 49-6-3701 — 49-6-3708) › Section 49-6-3701 - Short title

This part is known and may be cited as the "School Turnaround Pilot Program Act."
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 77, s 2, eff. 1/1/2022.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 37 - TEACHER'S DISCIPLINE ACT (§§ 49-6-3701 — 49-6-3708) › Section 49-6-3702 - Part definitions

As used in this part:
(1)
"Department" means the department of education;
(2)
"Non-pilot school" means a priority school that is not assigned by the department to participate in the school turnaround pilot program;
(3)
"Priority school" means a school placed in priority status pursuant to §
49-1-602
that is identified by the commissioner of education as a priority school;
(4)
"School in need of intervention" means a priority school that is assigned by the department to the school turnaround pilot program; and
(5)
"School turnaround pilot program" or "pilot program" means the pilot program developed by the department in accordance with this part.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 77, s 2, eff. 1/1/2022.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 37 - TEACHER'S DISCIPLINE ACT (§§ 49-6-3701 — 49-6-3708) › Section 49-6-3704 - Use of outcomes-based performance measures to designate priority schools - Model school turnaround plan

(a)
The department shall use the same outcomes-based performance measures used in the state's accountability model to designate priority schools as schools in need of intervention for purposes of the school turnaround pilot program.
(b)
Before the department designates a priority school as a school in need of intervention in accordance with subsection (a), the department shall develop a model school turnaround plan for local boards of education, school turnaround committees, and independent school turnaround experts to reference when creating school turnaround plans for schools in need of intervention.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 77, s 2, eff. 1/1/2022.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 37 - TEACHER'S DISCIPLINE ACT (§§ 49-6-3701 — 49-6-3708) › Section 49-6-3705 - School in need of intervention

(a)
Except as provided in subdivision (b)(2), a local board of education shall require a priority school to participate in the school turnaround pilot program if the department designates the school as a school in need of intervention.
(b)
(1)
A school in need of intervention that is required by the school's local board of education to participate in the pilot program must remain in the pilot program until the conclusion of the pilot program.
(2)
Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(1), a local board of education shall not require a priority school designated by the department as a school in need of intervention for purposes of the pilot program to remain in the pilot program, if the school is designated as a Title I school, serves students in any of the grades six through eight (6-8), and has not met the priority school exit criteria established by the state's federally approved Every Student Succeeds Act plan established pursuant to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)(
20 U.S.C. § 6301
et seq.) by the end of the 2023-2024 school year. The local board of education shall notify the commissioner of education and the independent school turnaround expert under contract with the board pursuant to § 49-6-3707(b), in writing, that the school in need of intervention is exiting the pilot program.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 863,s 2, eff. 5/1/2024.
Acts 2021 , ch. 578, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 37 - TEACHER'S DISCIPLINE ACT (§§ 49-6-3701 — 49-6-3708) › Section 49-6-3708 - Grants to facilitate implementation of interventions

Subject to available funds, the department shall provide grants to local boards of education with schools in need of intervention to facilitate the implementation of interventions identified in an approved school turnaround plan, including the funding of contracts with qualified independent school turnaround experts.
Acts 2021, ch. 578, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 38 - AGE-APPROPRIATE MATERIALS ACT OF 2022 (§§ 49-6-3801 — 49-6-3803) › Section 49-6-3801 - Short title

This part is known and may be cited as the "Age-Appropriate Materials Act of 2022."
Acts 2022, ch. 744, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 38 - AGE-APPROPRIATE MATERIALS ACT OF 2022 (§§ 49-6-3801 — 49-6-3803) › Section 49-6-3802 - Definitions

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Library collection" means the materials made available to students by a school operated by an LEA or by a public charter school, but does not include materials made available to students as part of a course curriculum; and
(2)
"Materials" means books, periodicals, newspapers, manuscripts, films, prints, documents, microfilm, discs, cassettes, videotapes, videogames, applications, and subscription content in any form.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 744, s 1, eff. 3/24/2022.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 39 - FOSTER CARE LIAISON (§§ 49-6-3901 — 49-6-3902) › Section 49-6-3901 - Foster care liaison - Role and responsibilities

(a)
Each LEA shall designate a foster care liaison to facilitate LEA compliance with state and federal laws related to students who are in foster care and to collaborate with the department of children's services to address educational barriers for students in foster care.
(b)
The role and responsibilities of a foster care liaison may include:
(1)
Coordinating with the department of children's services on the implementation of state and federal laws related to students who are in foster care;
(2)
Coordinating with foster care education program staff at the department of education;
(3)
Attending training and professional development opportunities to improve LEA implementation efforts;
(4)
Serving as the primary contact person for representatives of the department of children's services;
(5)
Facilitating immediate enrollment of a child placed in foster care in the appropriate school;
(6)
Facilitating the transfer of school records when a child is placed in foster care and changes schools;
(7)
Facilitating data sharing with child welfare agencies consistent with state and federal privacy laws and rules;
(8)
Serving as a point of contact and resource to students in foster care;
(9)
Ensuring that students in foster care are enrolled in and regularly attending school; and
(10)
Providing professional development and training to school staff on state and federal laws related to students in foster care and the educational needs of students in foster care.
Acts 2022, ch. 951, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 39 - FOSTER CARE LIAISON (§§ 49-6-3901 — 49-6-3902) › Section 49-6-3902 - Building point of contact

(a)
An LEA may establish a building point of contact in each elementary school, middle school, and high school to assist in coordinating services and resources pursuant to §
49-6-3901(b)
for students in foster care. These points of contact must be appointed by the director of schools of the LEA, in consultation with the school principal and the LEA foster care liaison.
(b)
The LEA foster care liaison is responsible for training building points of contact.
(c)
The department of education shall make best practices for choosing and training building points of contact available to each LEA.
Acts 2022, ch. 951, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 40 - STUDENT AND EMPLOYEE SAFE ENVIRONMENT ACT OF 1996 (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-4009) › Section 49-6-4001 - Short title

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Student and Employee Safe Environment Act of 1996."
Acts 1996, ch. 988, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-6-4011.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 40 - STUDENT AND EMPLOYEE SAFE ENVIRONMENT ACT OF 1996 (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-4009) › Section 49-6-4003 - [Repealed] Reserved

Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 958, s 6, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1996, ch. 988, § 4; 2012 , ch. 687, §§ 2, 6; T.C.A., § 49-6-4013.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 40 - STUDENT AND EMPLOYEE SAFE ENVIRONMENT ACT OF 1996 (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-4009) › Section 49-6-4004 - Uniform and fair application of code of conduct

The principal of each school shall apply the code of conduct uniformly and fairly to each student at the school without partiality or discrimination.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 958,s 7, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1996, ch. 988, § 5; T.C.A., § 49-6-4014.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 40 - STUDENT AND EMPLOYEE SAFE ENVIRONMENT ACT OF 1996 (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-4009) › Section 49-6-4005 - Adoption of different but consistent discipline policies or codes of conduct applicable to different classes of schools

Each local board of education or charter school governing body may choose to adopt different but consistent discipline policies or codes of conduct to apply to different classes of schools, such as elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high schools, under its jurisdiction. The policies and codes of conduct must be uniform to the extent of maximum consideration for the safety and well-being of students and employees.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 958,s 8, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1996, ch. 988, § 6; T.C.A., § 49-6-4015.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 40 - STUDENT AND EMPLOYEE SAFE ENVIRONMENT ACT OF 1996 (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-4009) › Section 49-6-4006 - Civil liability

(a)
In addition to criminal penalties provided by law, there is created a civil cause of action for an intentional assault, personal injury or injury to the personal property of students or school employees when the assault occurs during school hours, on school property or during school functions, including travel to and from school on school buses. A person who commits such an assault or injury shall be liable to the victim for all damages resulting from the assault, including compensatory and punitive damages. Upon prevailing, the victim shall be entitled to treble damages and reasonable attorney fees and costs.
(b)
It is a defense against a civil action for damages under this section that a teacher, principal, school employee or school bus driver in the exercise of the person's lawful authority used reasonable force under §
49-6-4107
that was necessary to restrain the student or to prevent bodily harm or death to another person.
Acts 1996, ch. 988, § 7; 2012 , ch. 687, § 5; T.C.A., § 49-6-4016.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 40 - STUDENT AND EMPLOYEE SAFE ENVIRONMENT ACT OF 1996 (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-4009) › Section 49-6-4007 - Posting and distribution of discipline policy or code of conduct

When a discipline policy or code of conduct has been adopted by a local board of education or charter school governing body, a copy must be posted on the LEA or school website. A copy must also be supplied to all school counselors, teachers, administrative staff, students, and parents.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 958,s 9, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1996, ch. 988, § 8; 1999, ch. 367, § 4; T.C.A., § 49-6-4017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 40 - STUDENT AND EMPLOYEE SAFE ENVIRONMENT ACT OF 1996 (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-4009) › Section 49-6-4008 - Reserved Reserved

Repealed by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 77, s 4, eff. 1/1/2022.
Acts 2012 , ch. 701, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-6-4018.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 40 - STUDENT AND EMPLOYEE SAFE ENVIRONMENT ACT OF 1996 (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-4009) › Section 49-6-4009 - Student discipline code to include provision prohibiting indecent clothing

(a)
An LEA shall include in its student discipline code a provision prohibiting students from wearing, while on the grounds of a public school during the regular school day, clothing that exposes underwear or body parts in an indecent manner that disrupts the learning environment.
(b)
An LEA shall specify in its student discipline code the disciplinary actions that shall be taken against a student for a violation of subsection (a).
(c)
Subsection (a) shall not be enforced in a manner that discriminates against a student on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, or national origin.
Acts 2012, ch. 781, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-6-4019.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 41 - SCHOOL DISCIPLINE ACT (§§ 49-6-4101 — 49-6-4109) › Section 49-6-4101 - Short title

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "School Discipline Act."
Acts 1979, ch. 131, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-901, 49-9-101.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 41 - SCHOOL DISCIPLINE ACT (§§ 49-6-4101 — 49-6-4109) › Section 49-6-4102 - Students accountable for conduct on school bus

Every school bus driver is authorized to hold every pupil strictly accountable for any disorderly conduct on any school bus going to or returning from school or a school activity.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 77, s 3, eff. 1/1/2022.
Acts 1979, ch. 131, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-902, 49-9-102; Acts 2012 , ch. 687, § 3.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 41 - SCHOOL DISCIPLINE ACT (§§ 49-6-4101 — 49-6-4109) › Section 49-6-4103 - Corporal punishment

(a)
(1)
Any teacher or school principal may use corporal punishment in a reasonable manner against any pupil for good cause in order to maintain discipline and order within the public schools.
(2)
(A)
Notwithstanding subsection (a)(1), prior to the administration of corporal punishment against a student, the student's teacher or school principal must document in the student's educational record that they have:
(i)
Acted to address the student's behavior;
(ii)
Provided consequences to the student to address the behavior;
(iii)
Consulted with the student's parent or legal guardian about the student's behavior; and
(iv)
Considered the need to conduct an initial evaluation to determine whether the student has a disability in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (
20 U.S.C. § 1400
et seq.), chapter 10 of this title, and the state board of education's rules.
(B)
If, as a result of an evaluation conducted pursuant to subdivision (a)(2)(A)(iv), a student is found to have a disability, then corporal punishment may only be administered against the student if authorized in accordance with subsection (b).
(b)
(1)
Notwithstanding subsection (a), teachers, school principals, or other school personnel are prohibited from using corporal punishment against any student who has a disability, unless an LEA's discipline policy permits the use of corporal punishment and a parent of a child who has a disability permits, in writing, the use of corporal punishment against the parent's child. The written permission must state the type of corporal punishment that may be used and the circumstances in which the use of corporal punishment is permitted. The school's principal must keep the written permission on file at the school. The school's principal must notify the parent any time corporal punishment is used. The school's principal must inform the parent, when the written permission for the use of corporal punishment is submitted, that the parent may revoke the permission to use corporal punishment at any time by giving written notice to the school's principal that corporal punishment may no longer be used against the parent's child who has a disability.
(2)
As used in this subsection (b):
(A)
"School personnel" includes all individuals employed on a full-time or part-time basis by a public school; and
(B)
"Student who has a disability" means a student who has an individualized education program (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (
20 U.S.C. § 1400
et seq.), or a Section 504 plan under the Rehabilitation Act (
29 U.S.C. § 701
et seq.).
(3)
This subsection (b) does not authorize the use of corporal punishment by a person who is not permitted to administer corporal punishment under subsection (a).
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 275,s 1, eff. 4/28/2023.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 900, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1979, ch. 131, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-903, 49-9-103.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 41 - SCHOOL DISCIPLINE ACT (§§ 49-6-4101 — 49-6-4109) › Section 49-6-4104 - Rules and regulations

Each local board of education shall adopt rules and regulations it deems necessary to implement and control any form of corporal punishment in the schools in its district.
Acts 1979, ch. 131, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-904, 49-9-104.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 41 - SCHOOL DISCIPLINE ACT (§§ 49-6-4101 — 49-6-4109) › Section 49-6-4105 - Arrest and prosecution for injury to student

(a)
No action taken by a teacher or principal pursuant to this part shall be grounds for the issuance of an arrest warrant or for the pressing of criminal charges against the teacher or principal, unless a report of an investigation by appropriate law enforcement officials along with independent medical verification of injury is presented to the judge or magistrate prior to issuing the warrant. The investigative findings shall be presented to the judge or magistrate within fifteen (15) days of receipt of notification. The law enforcement agency shall give notice to the director of schools or the director of schools' designee at the time it is notified of the allegations.
(b)
When an arrest warrant has been issued against a teacher for action taken pursuant to this part, the teacher shall be summoned to an administrative office or to a location other than on school grounds, so that students shall not be present, and shall be arrested there. The teacher is not to be arrested in the classroom or before any assembly of students. This subsection (b) shall not apply if a law enforcement officer reasonably believes that the teacher will flee from arrest or attempt to leave the jurisdiction of the court that issued the warrant.
Acts 1986, ch. 578, § 1; 1987, ch. 133, § 1; 1987, ch. 134, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 41 - SCHOOL DISCIPLINE ACT (§§ 49-6-4101 — 49-6-4109) › Section 49-6-4106 - [Repealed] Reserved

Repealed by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 77, s 5, eff. 1/1/2022.
Acts 2009 , ch. 315, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 41 - SCHOOL DISCIPLINE ACT (§§ 49-6-4101 — 49-6-4109) › Section 49-6-4107 - Use of reasonable force

(a)
A teacher, principal, school employee or school bus driver, in exercising the person's lawful authority, may use reasonable force when necessary under the circumstances to correct or restrain a student or prevent bodily harm or death to another person.
(b)
Subsection (a) does not authorize use of corporal punishment by a person not permitted to administer corporal punishment under §
49-6-4103
or chapter 6, part 44 of this title.
(c)
Subsection (a) does not authorize restraint or isolation of students for whom restraint or isolation is prohibited under chapter 10, part 13 of this title.
(d)
A teacher, principal, school employee, or school bus driver using reasonable force in exercising the person's lawful authority in accordance with this section is immune from civil liability arising from the person's action pursuant to §
39-11-622
, unless the teacher's, principal's, school employee's, or school bus driver's conduct is grossly negligent, reckless, or intentional misconduct. A person who is immune under this section is not the proximate cause of any resulting injuries.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 188, s 2, eff. 7/1/2021.
Acts 2012 , ch. 687, § 4.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 41 - SCHOOL DISCIPLINE ACT (§§ 49-6-4101 — 49-6-4109) › Section 49-6-4108 - Report detailing use of corporal punishment required

(a)
Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, each LEA shall submit, at least annually, a report to the department of education detailing the LEA's use of corporal punishment. The report shall include, at a minimum:
(1)
The school at which each instance of corporal punishment occurred;
(2)
Information regarding the reason for each instance of corporal punishment;
(3)
Whether an instance of corporal punishment involved a student with an active individualized education program, and if so, the primary disability category for which the student has an individualized education program; and
(4)
Whether an instance of corporal punishment involved a student with an active 504 plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (
29 U.S.C. § 794
), and if so, the reason for which the student has a 504 plan.
(b)
The report submitted pursuant to this section shall exclude any personally identifiable information and shall be created in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (
20 U.S.C. § 1232g
), §
10-7-504
, and any other relevant state or federal privacy law.
(c)
The department shall report on its website the number of instances of corporal punishment in each LEA and the number of instances involving a student with an active individualized education program or an active 504 plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Acts 2018 , ch. 777, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 41 - SCHOOL DISCIPLINE ACT (§§ 49-6-4101 — 49-6-4109) › Section 49-6-4109 - Trauma-informed discipline policy

(a)
As a strategy to address adverse childhood experiences, as defined in §
49-1-230
, each LEA and public charter school shall adopt a trauma-informed discipline policy. Each trauma-informed discipline policy must:
(1)
Balance accountability with an understanding of traumatic behavior;
(2)
Teach school and classroom rules while reinforcing that violent or abusive behavior is not allowed at school;
(3)
Minimize disruptions to education with an emphasis on positive behavioral supports and behavioral intervention plans;
(4)
Create consistent rules and consequences; and
(5)
Model respectful, nonviolent relationships.
(b)
The department of education shall develop guidance on trauma-informed discipline practices that LEAs must use to develop the policy required under subsection (a).
Acts 2019, ch. 421, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 42 - SCHOOL SECURITY ACT OF 1981 (§§ 49-6-4201 — 49-6-4219) › Section 49-6-4201 - Short title

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
.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 42 - SCHOOL SECURITY ACT OF 1981 (§§ 49-6-4201 — 49-6-4219) › Section 49-6-4202 - Part definitions

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Dangerous weapon" or "weapon" means any dangerous instrument or substance that is capable of inflicting any injury on any person;
(2)
"Drug" means any controlled substance, controlled substance analogue, marijuana, alcohol, legend drug or any other substance the possession or use of which is regulated in any manner by any governmental authority, including the school system;
(3)
"Drug paraphernalia" means all equipment, products and materials of any kind that are used, intended for use or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing into the human body a drug, as defined in subdivision (2). An electronic pager in the possession of a student shall be included in this definition if used or intended for use as defined by this subdivision (3);
(4)
"School" means all public schools that conduct classes in any grade from kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12);
(5)
"School principal" or "principal" means the administrative head of a public school, by whatever title the person may be known;
(6)
"School resource officer" means a law enforcement officer, as defined under §
39-11-106
, who is in compliance with all laws, rules and regulations of the peace officers standards and training commission and who has been assigned to a school in accordance with a memorandum of understanding between the chief of the appropriate law enforcement agency and the LEA or in accordance with Section 1;
(7)
"Student" means any person, regardless of age, enrolled in the public school; and
(8)
"Visitor" means any person who is on school property, except for certificated personnel employed by the state or local board of education.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 729,s 2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1981, ch. 368, § 2; 1983, ch. 397, § 1; T.C.A., §
49-9-402
; Acts 1988, ch. 727, § 1; 1994, ch. 636, § 13; 2007 , ch. 341, § 1; 2012 , ch. 848, § 43.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 42 - SCHOOL SECURITY ACT OF 1981 (§§ 49-6-4201 — 49-6-4219) › Section 49-6-4203 - Legislative intent

(a)
It is the intent of the general assembly in enacting this part to secure a safe environment in which the education of the students of this state may occur.
(b)
The general assembly recognizes the position of the schools in loco parentis and the responsibility this places on principals and teachers within each school to secure order and to protect students from harm while in their custody.
(c)
It is the intent of this part to extend further, rather than limit, the authority of principals and teachers to secure order and provide protection of students within each school.
(d)
The general assembly further recognizes that a rising level of violent activity and use of drugs is occurring in some public schools, especially in urban areas, and that these activities threaten the well-being of all students in those schools.
(e)
The general assembly further finds that:
(1)
The removal of dangerous weapons, drug paraphernalia and drugs from school property is necessary to lessen hazards to students and that removal can only be accomplished by searches of areas of the school buildings or grounds where those materials may be stored;
(2)
On occasions when the use of dangerous weapons or drugs has reached a life or health threatening level, searches of students themselves may be necessary to protect the larger student body, and that often the searches must be conducted in emergency situations;
(3)
Individual circumstances and local particularities require that individual principals must be relied on to exercise their professionally trained judgments in determining what action is appropriate within this part; and
(4)
The presence on school property of students with drugs in their bodies may pose a threat to the safety and well-being of that student and other students, may be disruptive of school classes and other programs and may interfere with the educational opportunities and progress of all students.
Acts 1981, ch. 368, § 2; 1983, ch. 397, § 2; T.C.A., §
49-9-403
; Acts 1988, ch. 727, § 2; 1988, ch. 940, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 42 - SCHOOL SECURITY ACT OF 1981 (§§ 49-6-4201 — 49-6-4219) › Section 49-6-4204 - Search of lockers, vehicles, and other property

(a)
When individual circumstances in a school dictate, a principal may order that vehicles parked on school property by students or visitors, containers, packages, lockers or other enclosures used for storage by students or visitors, and other areas accessible to students or visitors be searched in the principal's presence or in the presence of other members of the principal's staff.
(b)
Individual circumstances requiring a search may include incidents on school property, including school buses, involving, but not limited to, the use of dangerous weapons, drugs or drug paraphernalia by students that are known to the principal or other staff members, information received from law enforcement, juvenile or other authorities indicating a pattern of drug dealing or drug use by students of that school, any assault or attempted assault on school property with dangerous weapons or any other actions or incidents known by the principal that give rise to reasonable suspicion that dangerous weapons, drugs or drug paraphernalia are held on school property by one (1) or more students.
(c)
A notice shall be posted in the school that lockers and other storage areas, containers, and packages brought into the school by students or visitors are subject to search for drugs, drug paraphernalia, dangerous weapons or any property that is not properly in the possession of the student.
(d)
A notice shall be posted where it is visible from the school parking lot that vehicles parked on school property by students or visitors are subject to search for drugs, drug paraphernalia or dangerous weapons.
Acts 1981, ch. 368, § 2; 1983, ch. 397, §§ 3, 4; T.C.A., §
49-9-404
; Acts 1988, ch. 727, §§ 3-5; 1994, ch. 636, §§ 1-4.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 42 - SCHOOL SECURITY ACT OF 1981 (§§ 49-6-4201 — 49-6-4219) › Section 49-6-4205 - Search of students

(a)
A student may be subject to physical search because of the results of a locker search, or because of information received from a teacher, staff member, student or other person if such action is reasonable to the principal.
(b)
All of the following standards of reasonableness shall be met:
(1)
A particular student has violated school policy;
(2)
The search will yield evidence of the violation of school policy or will lead to disclosure of a dangerous weapon, drug paraphernalia or drug;
(3)
The search is in pursuit of legitimate interests of the school in maintaining order, discipline, safety, supervision and education of students;
(4)
The search is not conducted for the sole purpose of discovering evidence to be used in a criminal prosecution; and
(5)
The search shall be reasonably related to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student, as well as the nature of the infraction alleged to have been committed.
Acts 1981, ch. 368, § 2; 1983, ch. 397, § 6; T.C.A., §
49-9-406
; Acts 1988, ch. 727, § 6; 1994, ch. 636, §§ 5, 6.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 42 - SCHOOL SECURITY ACT OF 1981 (§§ 49-6-4201 — 49-6-4219) › Section 49-6-4206 - Policy authorizing school security officer to patrol

(a)
As used in this section, "school security officer" means an individual who is employed exclusively by the local school board or LEA for the purpose of:
(1)
Maintaining order and discipline;
(2)
Preventing crime;
(3)
Investigating violations of school board policies;
(4)
Returning students who may be in violation of the law, school board, or LEA policies to school property or to a school-sponsored event until the officer can place the student into the custody of the school administrator or the administrator's designee, the school resources officer, or the appropriate law enforcement officer; and
(5)
Ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors in an assigned school.
(b)
Each LEA may develop and adopt, in consultation with the appropriate local law enforcement agency, a policy that authorizes a school security officer employed by the LEA to patrol within a one-mile radius of the security officer's assigned school, but not to exceed the boundaries of the assigned school's LEA.
(c)
If an LEA adopts a policy pursuant to subsection (a) then the LEA shall file a copy of the policy with the appropriate local chief law enforcement officer.
(d)
In patrolling the one-mile radius of the school, the school security officer shall:
(1)
Only patrol for violations of the law that involve minors, including truancy; and
(2)
Immediately notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency of any violation of the law if the school security officer reasonably believes the individual committing the act to be a minor.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 189,s 1, eff. 4/27/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 42 - SCHOOL SECURITY ACT OF 1981 (§§ 49-6-4201 — 49-6-4219) › Section 49-6-4207 - Use of metal detectors

To facilitate a search that is found to be necessary of students, school visitors, containers or packages, metal detectors and other devices designed to indicate the presence of dangerous weapons, drug paraphernalia or drugs may be used in searches, including hand-held models that are passed over or around a student's or visitor's body, and students, visitors, containers and packages may be required to pass through a stationary detector.
Acts 1981, ch. 368, § 2; T.C.A., §
49-9-408
; Acts 1988, ch. 727, § 8; 1994, ch. 636, §§ 8, 9.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 42 - SCHOOL SECURITY ACT OF 1981 (§§ 49-6-4201 — 49-6-4219) › Section 49-6-4208 - Use of animals

To facilitate a search that is found to be necessary, dogs or other animals trained to detect drugs or dangerous weapons by odor or otherwise may be used in conducting searches, but the animals shall be used only to pinpoint areas needed to be searched and shall not be used to search the persons of students or visitors.
Acts 1981, ch. 368, § 2; T.C.A., §
49-9-409
; Acts 1994, ch. 636, §§ 10, 11.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 42 - SCHOOL SECURITY ACT OF 1981 (§§ 49-6-4201 — 49-6-4219) › Section 49-6-4209 - Report of reasonable suspicion by principal to law enforcement officer

(a)
It is the duty of a school principal who has reasonable suspicion to believe, either as a result of a search or otherwise, that any student is committing or has committed any violation of title 39, chapter 17, part 4, §
39-17-1307
, or §
39-17-1309
upon the school grounds or within any school building or structure under the principal's supervision, to report the reasonable suspicion to the appropriate law enforcement officer.
(b)
School personnel have the duty to report any reasonable suspicion that a student is committing or has committed any violation of title 39, chapter 17, part 4 or §
39-17-1307
to the principal, or, if the principal is not available, to the principal's designee. If neither the principal nor the designee is available, school personnel may report violations of title 39, chapter 17, part 4 or §
39-17-1307
committed on school property to the appropriate authorities.
Acts 1981, ch. 368, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-9-410; Acts 1994, ch. 636, § 12; 1995, ch. 102, § 1; 1995, ch. 215, § 1; 2007 , ch. 94, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 42 - SCHOOL SECURITY ACT OF 1981 (§§ 49-6-4201 — 49-6-4219) › Section 49-6-4210 - Disposal of contraband

Any dangerous weapon or drug located by the principal or other staff member in the course of a search shall be turned over to the appropriate law enforcement officer for proper disposal.
Acts 1981, ch. 368, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-9-411.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 42 - SCHOOL SECURITY ACT OF 1981 (§§ 49-6-4201 — 49-6-4219) › Section 49-6-4211 - Defense of school personnel by LEA - Indemnity

(a)
The LEA shall defend principals and teachers against whom suit is brought on account of any action taken in accordance with this part if:
(1)
The employees cooperate in the defense of the suit; and
(2)
In the opinion of the LEA, the actions taken were not the result of willful, wanton or malicious wrongdoing.
(b)
Each LEA shall indemnify principals and teachers from judgment against them if:
(1)
The judgments result from actions or omissions arising out of performance of the duties imposed by this part and do not result from willful, wanton or malicious wrongdoing; and
(2)
The employees have cooperated with the LEA in the defense of the suit.
(c)
This section shall not be construed to indicate any waiver by the state of sovereign immunity or to make the state any insurer of the public officials mentioned in this section.
Acts 1981, ch. 368, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-9-412.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 42 - SCHOOL SECURITY ACT OF 1981 (§§ 49-6-4201 — 49-6-4219) › Section 49-6-4212 - Training program for school principals - Notice of policies to parents and students

(a)
The LEA and the local law enforcement agency shall establish and maintain an orientation and training program designed to familiarize school principals with this part and with local policies and procedures for implementing and enforcing this part.
(b)
The LEA shall provide parents and students with reasonable notice of the local policies and procedures.
Acts 1982, ch. 794, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-9-413.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 42 - SCHOOL SECURITY ACT OF 1981 (§§ 49-6-4201 — 49-6-4219) › Section 49-6-4214 - Nonpublic schools - Resource officers - Compliance - Contract stipulations

(a)
Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, a county or municipality may enter into a contract or memorandum of understanding with a nonpublic school authorizing the county's or municipality's law enforcement agency to provide school resource officers to the nonpublic school.
(b)
A school resource officer assigned to a nonpublic school must comply with the employment standards for school resource officers outlined in §
49-6-4217
.
(c)
A contract or memorandum of understanding may stipulate:
(1)
The duties and responsibilities of the parties;
(2)
The burden of liability that arises from negligence or gross negligence by any party. A county or municipality may waive sovereign immunity for one (1) or more law enforcement officers for purposes of executing a contract or memorandum of understanding under this section;
(3)
The length of the contract or memorandum of understanding;
(4)
Salary, benefits, and schedule; and
(5)
Any other provisions that the parties to the contract or memorandum of understanding deem necessary to effectuate the contract or memorandum of understanding.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 87, s 1, eff. 3/31/2023.