Bill > HB0953

This bill, known as the "School Safety and Mental Health Act," introduces two key provisions to improve school safety and support in Tennessee. First, it mandates that each Local Educational Agency (LEA), which includes traditional public schools and public charter schools, must employ at least one full-time licensed professional school counselor at every school. Second, the bill establishes a school safety infrastructure grant program administered by the Tennessee school safety center, which will provide funding to LEAs to improve school safety infrastructure. To be eligible for these grants, LEAs must demonstrate how they will use the funds to enhance safety, align with existing security assessments, and support charter schools. Importantly, LEAs must also be in compliance with all existing state school safety laws and regulations. The grants will be subject to appropriations, with any unspent funds being carried forward to future fiscal years. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving schools time to prepare for these new requirements.