Bill > SB0016

This bill introduces several new provisions related to interscholastic athletics in Tennessee, focusing on transparency, student transfer rights, and oversight of athletic associations. The bill prohibits public schools from using public funds to join or maintain membership in athletic associations that restrict student transfers between schools, with an exception for students completing their highest grade level at a school. It mandates that such associations must voluntarily comply with open meetings laws, though they can close meetings when discussing confidential student information protected by privacy laws like FERPA. The bill requires schools to obtain written consent before notifying athletic associations about a foster care student's placement that might impact athletic eligibility. Additionally, the legislation requires any voluntary association establishing interscholastic sports rules to undergo an annual audit by the state comptroller, with the association bearing the full cost of the audit. Schools and public charter schools must also submit annual documentation of their compliance with these requirements to the state department of education, which will then report to legislative education committees. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and simultaneously repeals several existing sections of Tennessee Code related to interscholastic athletics.

Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0016&ga=114