Bill > SB0298

This bill modifies Tennessee's existing law regarding nonsectarian, nonreligious Bible courses in public schools by updating several key provisions. The bill changes the terminology from "curriculum" to "course" and expands the approval process for Bible courses, explicitly including public charter schools alongside local education agencies (LEAs). Starting July 1, 2025, new Bible courses will require approval from local school boards or charter school governing bodies, while courses already approved by the state department of education before that date will be grandfathered in. The bill mandates that the state education department publish a website listing schools offering approved Bible courses and the academic standards for such courses, and requires each school district and public charter school to make their Bible course curricula and instructional materials publicly available online. Additionally, the state board of education must include these elective Bible courses in its list of approved high school courses and is required to annually notify LEAs and charter schools about their ability to offer state-funded, nonsectarian Bible courses. The changes aim to provide more transparency and standardization in how Bible courses are developed, approved, and offered in Tennessee public schools.

Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0298&ga=114