Bill > HB0682

This bill, known as the "Student Comfort through Alternative Restorative Environments (CARE) Act," establishes mandatory provisions for local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools to support students who have experienced mass violence at their school. Specifically, the bill requires these educational institutions to offer students the voluntary option of participating in a virtual education program or remote instruction for at least 31 calendar days following an act of mass violence, which is defined as an incident causing serious bodily injury or death to two or more persons. Students who choose this option cannot be academically penalized and will remain eligible to receive all counseling and mental health resources. The participation is entirely voluntary and can be requested by the student (if 18 or older), parent, guardian, or caregiver. LEAs and public charter schools must notify the state Department of Education when a student participates in these alternative learning arrangements and report the duration of their participation. The bill will take effect immediately and apply to the 2025-2026 school year and subsequent school years, providing a structured support mechanism for students recovering from traumatic school violence events.

Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0682&ga=114