Bill > SB0189

This bill establishes a new grant program through the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) that provides a $250 incentive to full-time undergraduate students at public higher education institutions who voluntarily get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The program allows eligible students to receive one grant per academic year for up to four years, with the grant funds specifically restricted to use for tuition, mandatory fees, textbooks, and course materials. THEC will be responsible for developing the application process, ensuring compliance with medical privacy laws like HIPAA, notifying students about the program, and distributing grants through public institutions. The grant program will be funded through a separate student STD testing grant fund in the general fund, which can receive state appropriations and other donations. The bill specifies that the program will begin implementation in the 2026-2027 academic year, with rules for the program to be established by THEC in accordance with administrative procedures. Importantly, the bill notes that actual fund expenditure is contingent on specific appropriations by the general appropriations act.

Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0189&ga=114