Bill > HB0764

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 specific personnel: school resource officers (acting as school officials), school security officers, or school administrators who have completed mandatory training. For students under 18, principals must notify parents or legal guardians 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. Importantly, the bill explicitly states 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 grounds. Most sections of the bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, with one section taking effect immediately upon becoming law. The legislation aims to provide clearer protocols and oversight for searches in educational settings while protecting students' rights.

Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0764&ga=114