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 23 - TENNESSEE SCHOOL NUTRITION STANDARDS ACT (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-2306) › Section 49-6-NEW - [Newly enacted section not yet numbered]

(a)
Notwithstanding § 49-6-2301, this section is known and may be cited as the "Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act.
(b)
Notwithstanding another law to contrary, each local board of education and public charter school governing body may establish policies for its public schools to offer students whole milk options, which are pasteurized dairy products as defined in § 53-3-103, through bulk milk dispensers.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 681,s 1, eff. 4/11/2024.
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 23 - TENNESSEE SCHOOL NUTRITION STANDARDS ACT (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-2306) › Section 49-6-2301 - Short title

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee School Nutrition Standards Act."
Acts 1986, ch. 904, § 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 23 - TENNESSEE SCHOOL NUTRITION STANDARDS ACT (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-2306) › Section 49-6-2302 - Establishment of nutritional breakfast and lunch programs

(a)
Unless a waiver is granted pursuant to §
49-6-2303(10)
, and only to the extent federal funds are available for free or reduced price meals:
(1)
Each school board shall establish a school lunch program in every school under its jurisdiction in accordance with rules and regulations established under §
49-6-2303
; and
(2)
Each school board shall establish a school breakfast program in the following schools based on the cumulative analysis of school lunch participation for the month of April of the preceding school year:
(A)
Every school that contains kindergarten through grade eight (K-8) in which twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the students participated in the school lunch program at a free or reduced price; and
(B)
In every school that does not contain a kindergarten through grade eight (K-8) in which forty percent (40%) or more of the students participated in the school lunch program at a free or reduced price.
(b)
Each LEA operating a school breakfast program pursuant to this part shall be reimbursed by the state for any additional expenses to that agency that are incurred as a result of implementation of this part.
(c)
The school breakfast program shall automatically terminate if federal funding for such program ceases.
Acts 1986, ch. 904, § 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 23 - TENNESSEE SCHOOL NUTRITION STANDARDS ACT (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-2306) › Section 49-6-2304 - Review of compliance with laws and regulations

(a)
Within thirty (30) days prior to the beginning of the school year, the commissioner shall review each plan and subsequent modifications submitted under §
49-6-2303(7)
and determine whether the plan complies with this part.
(b)
The commissioner shall investigate and promptly act upon any allegation of noncompliance within this part or the rules and regulations established under this part.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 40, eff. 4/18/2018.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 46, eff. 4/17/2015.
Acts 1986, ch. 904, §§ 4, 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 23 - TENNESSEE SCHOOL NUTRITION STANDARDS ACT (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-2306) › Section 49-6-2305 - Reserve fund

(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.
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 23 - TENNESSEE SCHOOL NUTRITION STANDARDS ACT (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-2306) › Section 49-6-2306 - [Repealed] Minimum nutritional standards for individual food items

(a)
The state board of education, in consultation and cooperation with the department of education and the department of health, shall promulgate rules to establish minimum nutritional standards for individual food items sold or offered for sale to pupils in pre-kindergarten through grade eight (pre-K-8) through vending machines or other sources, including school nutrition programs.
(b)
The rules shall address, but shall not be limited to, the following:
(1)
The establishment of minimum nutritional standards and nutritionally sound portion sizes for individual food items sold or offered for sale to pupils in pre-kindergarten through grade eight (pre-K-8) and standards governing the time, place and circumstances of any such sale or offer to sell; and
(2)
A requirement that a noncompliant vendor, individual or entity shall reimburse a school nutrition program for any penalties assessed against the school nutrition program for any violation of the rules committed by the noncompliant vendor, individual or entity.
(c)
Nothing in this section, or any rule promulgated pursuant to this section, shall be construed to prohibit a school nutrition program from selling or serving federally reimbursable meals to pupils in pre-kindergarten through grade eight (pre-K-8).
(d)
Nothing in this section, or any rule promulgated under §
49-6-2303
, shall be construed to prevent an LEA or a school from utilizing a request for proposals for any proposed contract for vending machines or vending services, pursuant to school board policy.
Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 63, eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 1994, ch. 980, §§ 1, 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 24 - TENNESSEE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ACT (§§ 49-6-2401 — 49-6-2410) › Section 49-6-2401 - Short title

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Community Schools Act."
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968,s 2, eff. 5/19/2014.
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 24 - TENNESSEE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ACT (§§ 49-6-2401 — 49-6-2410) › Section 49-6-2402 - Legislative findings

The general assembly finds and declares that:
(1)
All children are capable of success;
(2)
Schools are the centers of vibrant communities;
(3)
Strong families build strong educational communities;
(4)
Children succeed when adults work together to foster positive educational outcomes;
(5)
Schools work best when families take active roles in the education of children;
(6)
Schools today are limited in their ability to dedicate time and resources to provide a wide range of educational opportunities to students because of the focus on standardized test outcomes;
(7)
By providing learning opportunities outside of normal school hours, including programs on life skills and health, students are more successful academically, more engaged in their communities, safer, and better prepared to make a successful transition from school to adulthood;
(8)
A community school is a traditional school that actively partners with its community to leverage existing resources and identify new resources to support the transformation of the school to provide enrichment and additional life skill opportunities for students, parents, and community members at large. Each community school is unique because its programming is designed by and for the school staff, in partnership with parents, community stakeholders, and students;
(9)
Successful community schools currently exist in this state. Such schools should be models for replication;
(10)
Research shows that community schools have a powerful positive impact on students, as demonstrated by increased academic success, a positive change in attitudes toward school and learning, and decreased behavioral problems;
(11)
After-school and evening programs offered by community schools provide academic enrichment consistent with state standards and general school curriculum; an opportunity for physical fitness activities for students, fine arts programs, structured learning "play" time, and other recreational opportunities; a safe haven for children and teens; and work supports for working families; and
(12)
Community schools are cost-effective because they leverage existing resources provided by local, state, federal, and private sources and bring programs to the schools, where the students are already congregated.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968,s 3, eff. 5/19/2014.
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 24 - TENNESSEE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ACT (§§ 49-6-2401 — 49-6-2410) › Section 49-6-2404 - Authority to form community consortiums to establish community schools - Centers of communities - Designation of individual to lead implementation of programming - Eligibility for community school grant

(a)
LEAs and schools are authorized and encouraged to form community consortiums with a variety of community partners to establish a community school or schools with an integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development and community engagement that will lead to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities.
(b)
The community schools, formed pursuant to subsection (a), shall strive to become centers of their communities providing programs and services for persons of all ages. They shall be open to everyone throughout each day, including in the evenings, on weekends and in the summer.
(c)
A community school must designate an individual to lead and coordinate the planning and implementation of programming for the school.
(d)
A community school is not eligible for any community school grant available under this part unless the school has developed a plan that provides for:
(1)
Integrated student supports;
(2)
Expanded and enriched learning time and opportunities;
(3)
Active family and community engagement; and
(4)
Collaborative leadership and practices.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 453,s 1, eff. 5/22/2019.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968,s 5, eff. 5/19/2014.
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 24 - TENNESSEE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ACT (§§ 49-6-2401 — 49-6-2410) › Section 49-6-2406 - Study and report

The office of research and education accountability (OREA) in the office of the comptroller of the treasury shall study and report on the formation and operation of community schools. OREA shall specifically identify best practices that can be replicated by other LEAs and schools desiring to form community schools. OREA shall examine whether community schools have improved student learning, family engagement with the schools and the communities, school effectiveness in decreasing the dropout rate and increasing the graduation rate, and physical and mental health of the students and other members of the community. OREA shall examine whether community schools have met their educational and community goals. OREA shall file its report containing its findings and conclusions and any recommendations concerning community schools with the education committee of the senate and the education administration and planning committee of the house of representatives by November 1, 2018.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182,s 47, eff. 4/17/2015.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 968,s 7, eff. 5/19/2014.
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 24 - TENNESSEE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ACT (§§ 49-6-2401 — 49-6-2410) › Section 49-6-2407 - Community of schools - Formation of community consortiums - Services for persons of all ages - Rights, privileges, and obligations

(a)
Although §§
49-6-2401
- 49-6-2406 support the formation of a community school, schools in some neighborhoods may need to join together to form, with the help of community partners, a community of schools, instead of a community school. The state board of education and the department shall support and encourage LEAs in the creation of communities of schools that can provide a continuum of services for students and their parents from pre-kindergarten to grade twelve (pre-K-12) and even through postsecondary education.
(b)
LEAs and schools are authorized and encouraged to form community consortiums with a variety of community partners to establish communities of schools with an integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development, and community engagement that will lead to improved student learning, stronger families, and healthier communities.
(c)
The community of schools, formed pursuant to subsection (b), shall strive, as do community schools, to become centers of their communities providing programs and services for persons of all ages. They shall be open to everyone throughout each day, including in the evenings, on weekends, and in the summer.
(d)
If a community of schools is not able to locate services for all ages in one (1) of the public schools of the neighborhood, the community of schools is encouraged to locate activities, particularly those that occur outside of regular school hours in a central facility, if one is available, that provides easy access to all of the partnering schools, their students, and parents.
(e)
A community of schools shall have all the rights, privileges, and obligations accorded a community school under §§
49-6-2401
- 49-6-2406. The department may seek funds for creation of communities of schools as it does for community schools.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 770, s 1, eff. 4/19/2016.
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 24 - TENNESSEE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ACT (§§ 49-6-2401 — 49-6-2410) › Section 49-6-2408 - Adoption of holistic programs of positive behavior - School reports

Community schools and communities of schools are encouraged to work with parents and community partners to adopt holistic programs of positive behavior reinforcement, such as the Ticket Program, that work with schools, parents, and the community to reinforce positive behavior at home and school and in all aspects of community life. Schools that adopt these programs are encouraged to report their successes and failures, if any, in implementing the program and the results of the program in changing student behavior and improving academic performance to the department for dissemination and possible replication in other schools throughout the state. School reports shall be accompanied by data supporting the results reported.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 770,s 1, eff. 4/19/2016.
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 24 - TENNESSEE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ACT (§§ 49-6-2401 — 49-6-2410) › Section 49-6-2409 - Central headquarters for neighborhoods - Establishment of internet network architecture - Provisions of literacy classes and other programs

(a)
Community schools and communities of schools are encouraged to become the central headquarters for the neighborhoods in which they exist. They are authorized to work with community partners, when possible, to establish local internet network architecture to extend service throughout their neighborhoods and to devise and implement software designed to help community integration of services and activities.
(b)
In addition to the activities required of community grant recipients in §
49-6-2405(d)
, community schools and communities of schools are encouraged to provide literacy classes and tutoring for all age groups and to promote education, learning, and effective communication to contribute to the welfare of the community. Adult education programming that includes preparation toward obtaining a high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education may be offered to those without high school diplomas.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 114,s 26, eff. 7/1/2023.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 770, s 1, eff. 4/19/2016.
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 24 - TENNESSEE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ACT (§§ 49-6-2401 — 49-6-2410) › Section 49-6-2410 - Identification of opportunities to support formation and effective administration of community schools

(a)
The department of education shall work with at least one (1) statewide coalition composed of practitioners, administrators, advocates, and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for the department to support the formation and effective administration of community schools in this state by focusing on and sharing best practices regarding:
(1)
Professional development;
(2)
Policy and advocacy;
(3)
Communications;
(4)
Stakeholder engagement; and
(5)
Program evaluation.
(b)
Subsection (a) does not prohibit the department of education from working with more than one (1) statewide coalition to effectuate the purposes of this section.
Acts 2019, ch. 453, § 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 25 - NATIONAL MOTTO IN THE CLASSROOM ACT (§§ 49-6-2501 — 49-6-2502) › Section 49-6-2501 - Short title

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "National Motto in the Classroom Act."
Acts 2018, ch. 640, § 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 25 - NATIONAL MOTTO IN THE CLASSROOM ACT (§§ 49-6-2501 — 49-6-2502) › Section 49-6-2502 - "In God We Trust" national motto to be displayed in prominent school location

(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.
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 26 - TENNESSEE EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT PILOT PROGRAM (§§ 49-6-2601 — 49-6-2612) › Section 49-6-2601 - Short title

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Education Savings Account Pilot Program."
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 506, s 1, eff. 5/24/2019.
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 26 - TENNESSEE EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT PILOT PROGRAM (§§ 49-6-2601 — 49-6-2612) › Section 49-6-2607 - Use of ESA funds - Separate ESAs - Receipts for expenses - Requirements for participating schools

(a)
ESA funds shall only be used for the expenses listed in §
49-6-2603(a)(4)
.
(b)
The department shall establish and maintain separate ESAs for each participating student and shall verify that the uses of ESA funds are permitted under §
49-6-2603(a)(4)
and institute fraud protection measures. Use of ESA funds on tuition and fees, computer hardware or other technological devices, tutoring services, educational therapy services, summer education programs and specialized afterschool education programs, and any other expenses identified by the department must be preapproved by the department. Preapproval shall be requested by completing and submitting the department's preapproval form. The department shall develop processes to effectuate this subsection (b).
(c)
To document compliance with subsection (a), participating schools, providers, and eligible postsecondary institutions shall provide parents of participating students or participating students, as applicable, with a receipt for all expenses paid to the participating school, provider, or eligible postsecondary institution using ESA funds.
(d)
A participating school, provider, or eligible postsecondary institution shall not, in any manner, refund, rebate, or share funds from an ESA with a parent of a participating student or a participating student. The department shall establish a process for funds to be returned to an ESA by a participating school, provider, or eligible postsecondary institution.
(e)
To ensure the safety and equitable treatment of participating students, participating schools shall:
(1)
Comply with all state and federal health and safety laws applicable to nonpublic schools;
(2)
Certify that the participating school will not discriminate against participating students or applicants on the basis of race, color, or national origin;
(3)
Comply with §
49-5-202
;
(4)
Conduct criminal background checks on employees; and
(5)
Exclude from employment:
(A)
Any person who is not permitted by state law to work in a nonpublic school; and
(B)
Any person who might reasonably pose a threat to the safety of students.
(f)
An LEA shall provide a participating school that has admitted a participating student with a complete copy of the participating student's school records in the LEA's possession to the extent permitted by state and federal student privacy laws.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 506, s 1, eff. 5/24/2019.
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 26 - TENNESSEE EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT PILOT PROGRAM (§§ 49-6-2601 — 49-6-2612) › Section 49-6-2609 - Participating school or provider not state agent - No expansion of regulatory authority

(a)
A participating school or provider is autonomous and not an agent of this state.
(b)
The creation of the ESA program does not expand the regulatory authority of this state, the officers of this state, or an LEA to impose any additional regulation of participating schools or providers beyond the rules and regulations necessary to enforce the requirements of the program.
(c)
This state gives participating schools and providers maximum freedom to provide for the educational needs of participating students without governmental control. Neither a participating school nor a provider is required to alter its creed, practices, admissions policies, or curriculum in order to accept participating students, other than as is necessary to comply with the requirements of the program.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 506,s 1, eff. 5/24/2019.
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 26 - TENNESSEE EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT PILOT PROGRAM (§§ 49-6-2601 — 49-6-2612) › Section 49-6-2610 - Promulgation of rules

The state board is authorized to promulgate rules to effectuate the purposes of this part. The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 506,s 1, eff. 5/24/2019.
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 26 - TENNESSEE EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT PILOT PROGRAM (§§ 49-6-2601 — 49-6-2612) › Section 49-6-2612 - State or local public benefit

An education savings account is a state or local public benefit under §
4-58-102
.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 506, s 1, eff. 5/24/2019.
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 27 - THREAT ASSESSMENT (§§ 49-6-2701 — 49-6-2703) › Section 49-6-2703 - Immunity of threat assessment team

A threat assessment team and individual members of a threat assessment team, and any person providing information to a threat assessment team, are not liable in any action for damages or for other relief for any lawful actions taken in accordance with this part. A threat assessment team and individual members of a threat assessment team are immune from liability arising from:
(1)
The provision of information to a threat assessment team, if the information is provided to the threat assessment team in good faith, without malice, and on the basis of facts known or reasonably believed to exist; or
(2)
Any decisions, opinions, actions, and proceedings rendered, entered, or acted upon by a threat assessment team within the scope or function of the duties of the threat assessment team if made in good faith, without malice, and on the basis of facts known or reasonably believed to exist.
Acts 2019, ch. 394, § 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 28 - TEACHER'S DISCIPLINE ACT (§§ 49-6-2801 — 49-6-2804) › Section 49-6-2801 - Evidence - based behavior supports and interventions

(a)
A teacher trained in evidence-based behavior supports is authorized to manage the teacher's classroom, discipline students, and refer a student to the principal or the principal's designee to maintain discipline in the classroom, and to hold students in the teacher's charge strictly accountable for any disorderly conduct in school.
(b)
Each student discipline policy or code of conduct adopted by a local board of education or public charter school governing body pursuant to §
49-6-4002
must include:
(1)
Evidence-based behavior supports and interventions; and
(2)
A provision authorizing teachers and administrators to enforce the student discipline policy or code of conduct and to hold students accountable for any disorderly conduct in school, on school buses, or at school-sponsored events.
Acts 2021, ch. 77, § 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 28 - TEACHER'S DISCIPLINE ACT (§§ 49-6-2801 — 49-6-2804) › Section 49-6-2803 - Written referral for student's behavior - Use of appropriate discipline management techniques

In order to manage student behavior, to ensure the safety of all students in the teacher's classroom and school, and to ensure students the opportunity to learn in an orderly and disciplined classroom, a teacher may refer a student to the principal or the principal's designee. When a teacher disciplines a student by issuing a written referral for the student's behavior, the referral must be returned to the teacher with a notation of the action taken. The referral must be kept in a student discipline file, and shall not become a part of the student's permanent record. If an LEA or school has adopted an electronic system of making disciplinary referrals instead of using written referrals, then the teacher making the referral must be notified of the action taken, but the notification may be made either electronically or in writing. The principal or the principal's designee must respond to a teacher's disciplinary referral of a student by employing appropriate discipline management techniques that are consistent with the LEA's or school's policy. The director of schools, or the director's designee, must review the LEA's or school's discipline policies, practices, and data annually and recommend any necessary revisions to discipline policies to the local board of education or the public charter school governing body, as applicable, for adoption.
Acts 2021, ch. 77, § 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 29 - TENNESSEE STUDENT RELIGIOUS LIBERTY ACT OF 1997 (§§ 49-6-2901 — 49-6-2907) › Section 49-6-2901 - Short title

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Student Religious Liberty Act of 1997."
Acts 1997, ch. 422, § 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 29 - TENNESSEE STUDENT RELIGIOUS LIBERTY ACT OF 1997 (§§ 49-6-2901 — 49-6-2907) › Section 49-6-2902 - Legislative findings

(a)
The general assembly finds the following:
(1)
Judicial decisions concerning religion, free speech and public education are widely misunderstood and misapplied;
(2)
Confusion surrounding these decisions has caused some to be less accommodating of the religious liberty and free speech rights of students than permitted under the first amendment to the United States constitution;
(3)
Confusion surrounding these decisions has resulted in needless litigation and conflicts;
(4)
The supreme court of the United States has ruled that the establishment clause of the first amendment to the United States constitution requires that public schools neither advance nor inhibit religion. Public schools should be neutral in matters of faith and treat religion with fairness and respect;
(5)
Neutrality to religion does not require hostility to religion. The establishment clause does not prohibit reasonable accommodation of religion, nor does the clause bar appropriate teaching about religion;
(6)
Accommodation of religion is required by the free speech and free exercise clauses of the first amendment as well as by the Equal Access Act (
20 U.S.C. § 4071
et seq.) and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (
42 U.S.C. § 2000bb
et seq.); and
(7)
Setting forth the religious liberty rights of students in a statute would assist students and parents in the enforcement of the religious liberty rights of the students and provide impetus to efforts in public schools to accommodate religious belief in feasible cases.
(b)
The purpose of this part is to create a safe harbor for schools desiring to avoid litigation and to allow the free speech and religious liberty rights of students to the extent permissible under the establishment clause.
Acts 1997, ch. 422, § 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 29 - TENNESSEE STUDENT RELIGIOUS LIBERTY ACT OF 1997 (§§ 49-6-2901 — 49-6-2907) › Section 49-6-2903 - Part definitions

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Establishment clause" means the portion of the first amendment to the United States constitution that forbids laws respecting an establishment of religion;
(2)
"Free exercise clause" means the portion of the first amendment to the United States constitution that forbids laws prohibiting the free exercise of religion;
(3)
"Free speech clause" means the portion of the first amendment to the United States constitution that forbids laws abridging the freedom of speech;
(4)
"Public school" means any school that:
(A)
Is operated by the state, a political subdivision of the state or governmental agency within the state; and
(B)
Receives state financial assistance; and
(5)
"Student" means an individual attending a public school.
Acts 1997, ch. 422, § 1.
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 29 - TENNESSEE STUDENT RELIGIOUS LIBERTY ACT OF 1997 (§§ 49-6-2901 — 49-6-2907) › Section 49-6-2905 - Construction with first amendment establishment clause

(a)
Nothing in this part shall be construed to affect, interpret or in any way address the establishment clause.
(b)
The specification of religious liberty or free speech rights in §§
49-6-2901
- 49-6-2906 shall not be construed to exclude or limit religious liberty or free speech rights otherwise protected by federal, state or local law.
Acts 1997 , ch. 422, § 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 29 - TENNESSEE STUDENT RELIGIOUS LIBERTY ACT OF 1997 (§§ 49-6-2901 — 49-6-2907) › Section 49-6-2906 - Teachers and administrators not to violate the first amendment establishment clause

Nothing in this part shall be construed to support, encourage or permit a teacher, administrator or other employee of the public schools to lead, direct or encourage any religious or antireligious activity in violation of that portion of the first amendment of the United States constitution prohibiting laws respecting an establishment of religion.
Acts 1997, ch. 422, § 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 29 - TENNESSEE STUDENT RELIGIOUS LIBERTY ACT OF 1997 (§§ 49-6-2901 — 49-6-2907) › Section 49-6-2907 - Voluntary participation of personnel in religious activities on school grounds

(a)
LEAs and school administrators may not prohibit personnel from participating in religious activities on school grounds that are initiated by students at reasonable times before or after the instructional day so long as such activities are voluntary for all parties and do not conflict with the responsibilities or assignments of such personnel.
(b)
Nothing in this section shall prohibit LEAs and school administrators from allowing personnel to participate in other constitutionally permissible religious activities on school grounds.
Acts 2012, ch. 690, § 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 30 - ATTENDANCE (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-3051) › Section 49-6-NEW - [Newly enacted section not yet numbered]

A student who is appointed to serve as the public high school student member of the state board of education pursuant to §
49-1-301
must be credited as present by the public high school in which the student is enrolled for the time the student spends in the performance of the student's duties as a member of the state board of education. The student's participation as the public high school student member of the state board of education must not be counted as an absence, either excused or unexcused.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 549,s 1, eff. 3/11/2024.
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 30 - ATTENDANCE (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-3051) › Section 49-6-3002 - State attendance guidelines - No penalty for period of hospital or homebound instruction

(a)
The state board of education shall promulgate rules, in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, that prescribe guidelines for use by local boards of education in establishing standards and policies governing student attendance, subject to availability of funds. The guidelines shall include, but not be limited to, the following stipulations:
(1)
Attendance policies shall be firm but fair so that each student has a reasonable opportunity to meet the minimum requirements;
(2)
Effective accounting and reporting procedures shall be developed to keep parents or guardians informed of a student's absence from class;
(3)
Policies shall accommodate extenuating circumstances created by emergencies over which the student has no control;
(4)
Appeal procedures shall be included to assure the student's right of due process; and
(5)
Alternative programs shall be established to provide educational options for any student who severely fails to meet minimum attendance requirements.
(b)
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, if a student is unable to attend regular classes because of illness, injury or pregnancy and if the student has participated in a program of hospital or homebound instruction administered or approved by the LEA, then the student shall not be penalized for grading purposes nor be denied course completion, grade level advancement or graduation solely on the basis of the student's absence from the regular classroom during the period of the hospital or homebound instruction.
(c)
(1)
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, if a student is unable to attend regular classes pursuant to a summons, subpoena, court order, statute or rule, then the student's absence shall be an excused absence and the student shall be afforded the opportunity to complete all assignments missed for this purpose.
(2)
Subdivision (c)(1) shall not apply if a student's absence is:
(A)
The result of a commission of a delinquent act and notice of intent to transfer the student to criminal court has been provided pursuant to §
37-1-134
; or
(B)
For detention purposes pursuant to §
37-1-114(c)
.
Acts 1983, ch. 243, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-118; Acts 1990, ch. 903, § 2; 2009 , ch. 490, § 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 30 - ATTENDANCE (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-3051) › Section 49-6-3005 - Children excused from compulsory attendance

(a)
The following classes of children between six (6) and seventeen (17) years of age, both inclusive, shall be temporarily excused from complying with this part, the local board of education to be sole judge in all such cases involving children who are enrolled in a public school and, as to children enrolled in a nonpublic school, as defined by §
49-6-3001(c)(3)
, the director of schools of the school to be the sole judge in all such cases:
(1)
Children mentally or physically incapacitated to perform school duties, such disability to be attested by a duly licensed physician in all cases;
(2)
Children who have completed high school and hold a high school diploma;
(3)
Children temporarily excused from attendance in school under rules and regulations promulgated by the state board of education, which rules and regulations shall not be in conflict with §
50-5-103
or any other law governing child labor in this state;
(4)
Children six (6) years of age or under whose parent or guardian have filed a notice of intent to conduct a home school as provided by §
49-6-3001
or who are conducting a home school as provided by §
49-6-3050
; and
(5)
Children who have attained their seventeenth birthday and whose continued compulsory attendance, in the opinion of the board of education in charge of the school to which the children belong and are enrolled, results in detriment to good order and discipline and to the instruction of other students and is not of substantial benefit to the children.
(b)
In all cases described in subsection (a), the board shall first obtain the recommendation in writing from the director of schools of the system and the principal of the school to which the child or children belong.
(c)
No child who is refused attendance in a school nearer to the child's residence having equivalent grade levels and curriculum shall be required to attend public or nonpublic school as provided in §
49-6-3001
.
(d)
In addition to the categories of children specified in subsection (a), the local board of education may excuse children from attendance in accordance with guidelines developed by the state board of education for this purpose.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 102, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 64, eff. 5/2/2019.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 48, eff. 4/17/2015.
Acts 1947, ch. 87, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 2442.3; Acts 1955, ch. 97, § 1; 1959, ch. 105, § 1; 1971, ch. 207, § 1; 1972, ch. 842, § 1; 1974, ch. 654, §§ 89, 90; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-1710, 49-1772; Acts 1985, ch. 398, § 2; 1990, ch. 948, § 24; 1992, ch. 535, §§ 79, 80; 1996, ch. 863, § 1; 1997 , ch. 392, §§ 3, 6, 7; 2012 , ch. 925, § 12.
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 30 - ATTENDANCE (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-3051) › Section 49-6-3006 - Attendance supervisor

(a)
The sole responsibility and authority for the enforcement of the compulsory attendance laws, compiled in this part, are placed in the local board of education and its designated employees and officers.
(b)
To facilitate the enforcement of the compulsory attendance laws, the director of schools shall designate at least one (1) qualified employee who shall be identified as the LEA attendance supervisor. The duties of an attendance supervisor include, but are not limited to, assisting the local board, under the direction of the director of schools, with the enforcement of the compulsory attendance laws of the state and to discharge other duties that are necessary to effectuate enforcement of laws and local policies related to absenteeism and truancy. The attendance supervisor may also be directed to devise and recommend to the director of schools, for board approval, a progressive truancy plan consistent with §
49-6-3009
.
(c)
The state board of education is authorized to promulgate rules regarding training, licensure, and employment qualifications of attendance supervisors.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 223, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 958, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 379, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1947, ch. 87, §§ 4-6, 9, 10; C. Supp. 1950, §§ 2442.4-2442.6, 2442.9, 2442.10; Acts 1959, ch. 289, § 1; 1974, ch. 654, §§ 91-93; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-1711 -- 49-1715; Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 6, §§ 15, 16; 1992, ch. 535, § 52; 1992, ch. 657, § 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 30 - ATTENDANCE (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-3051) › Section 49-6-3008 - Truancy - Inspections and investigations

(a)
The director of schools of any local school system, or the director of schools' designated representative, has the right to visit and enter any office, factory or business house employing children belonging to schools within the director of schools' jurisdiction and to require properly attested certificates of attendance or employment permit of any child in a day school or a valid work permit for the child.
(b)
When reasonable doubt exists as to the age of any child who violates this part, the director of schools or the director of schools' designated representative shall require satisfactory proof of age.
(c)
Any parent, guardian or other person having charge or control of any child embraced within this part who makes a false statement concerning the age of the child or the time that the child has attended school commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1947, ch. 87, §§ 14, 15; C. Supp. 1950, §§ 2442.14, 2442.15; Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 100; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-1721, 49-1722; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
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 30 - ATTENDANCE (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-3051) › Section 49-6-3010 - Jurisdiction of school attendance cases

(a)
Each judge of a juvenile court or court of general sessions is vested with the power to hear all cases coming within this part; provided, that in all cities maintaining a separate system of schools, the city recorder or city judge may try such cases coming within the official's jurisdiction.
(b)
Any party aggrieved may appeal to the circuit or criminal court from the action of the judge of the juvenile court or court of general sessions or city recorder.
Acts 1947, ch. 87, § 17; C. Supp. 1950, § 2442.17; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1724.
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 30 - ATTENDANCE (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-3051) › Section 49-6-3011 - Disposition of fines

All moneys collected as fines for violations of this part shall be placed in the public school fund of the local school system in which the child resides. Fines may be recovered by rule or in any way that a court of law enforces its orders or decrees.
Acts 1947, ch. 87, § 18; C. Supp. 1950, § 2442.18; Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 101; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1725.
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 30 - ATTENDANCE (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-3051) › Section 49-6-3012 - Truancy schools

(a)
The board of education having charge of the public schools of any local school system having a population of ten thousand (10,000) or more, according to the federal census of 1950 or any subsequent federal census, may establish a truancy school, either within or without the city limits, for children who are between seven (7) and sixteen (16) years of age, both inclusive, and who are habitual truants, or while in attendance at school are incorrigible, vicious, immoral or who habitually wander or loiter about without lawful employment.
(b)
Such children shall be deemed disorderly juvenile persons, and may be compelled by the board to attend the truancy school or any department of the public school as the board may direct.
(c)
Any board of education having charge of schools affected by this part shall have authority to exclude any delinquent pupil whose influence is deemed by the board to be demoralizing or injurious to other pupils attending the schools.
Acts 1947, ch. 87, § 20; C. Supp. 1950, § 2442.20; Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 103; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1727.
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 30 - ATTENDANCE (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-3051) › Section 49-6-3013 - Children unable to buy books

If satisfactory proof is presented that any child is unable to attend school as required by this part because the child is not able to procure books, the local board of education having charge of the school to which the child belongs shall purchase the books out of the public school fund of the local district and lend the books to the child under regulations prescribed by the board during the term the books are needed.
Acts 1947, ch. 87, § 7; C. Supp. 1950, § 2442.7; Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 98; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1719.
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 30 - ATTENDANCE (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-3051) › Section 49-6-3014 - Children lacking clothing or food

(a)
If it is ascertained by any local board of education that any child who is required under this part to attend a school under the control of the board is unable to do so on account of lack of clothing or food, such case shall be reported to the welfare agency in the school district.
(b)
Any worthy case not receiving immediate relief shall be reported by the board to the officials having charge of such work for investigation and relief.
Acts 1947, ch. 87, § 8; C. Supp. 1950, § 2442.8; Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 99; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1720.
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 30 - ATTENDANCE (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-3051) › Section 49-6-3015 - [Repealed] Reserved

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 65, eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 1927, ch. 19, §§ 1-7; Code 1932, §§ 2443-2452; modified; Acts 1974, ch. 654, §§ 104-106; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-1729 -- 49-1737; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2006, ch. 755, §§ 1, 2.