Bill > SB0290

This bill amends Tennessee's education code to establish more specific guidelines for conducting searches on school property. The legislation requires that physical searches of students, lockers, vehicles, and other property can only be performed by a school resource officer (SRO) acting as a school official, a school security officer, or a school administrator who has completed specific training. For students under 18, the principal must notify the parent or legal guardian within a reasonable time after conducting a search. The bill mandates that the Tennessee Department of Education develop an orientation and training program to inform school administrators about students' search-related rights, and requires school administrators to complete this training before conducting searches. Importantly, the bill clarifies that these new provisions do not authorize searches that would violate constitutional protections under the Fourth Amendment, and they do not restrict law enforcement officers from conducting lawful searches on school property. The bill will take effect in stages, with some sections becoming active immediately and others taking effect on July 1, 2025. These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines and protections for students during school-based searches while ensuring school safety.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0290&ga=114