Bill > HB1197

This bill amends Tennessee's existing law regarding nonsectarian, nonreligious Bible courses in public schools and public charter schools by modifying several key provisions. The bill changes the approval process for Bible courses, requiring local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools to have their Bible course curricula approved by their local board of education or governing body, with an exception for courses already approved by the state department of education before July 1, 2025. The bill mandates that the state department of education publish on its website a list of schools offering approved Bible courses and the academic standards for such courses. Additionally, each school must make its Bible course curricula and instructional materials publicly available on its website. The state board of education is required to include these Bible courses in its list of approved high school electives, and the department must annually notify schools of their ability to offer these courses. The bill also explicitly extends these provisions to public charter schools, ensuring they have the same rights and responsibilities as traditional local education agencies in developing and offering Bible courses. These changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to the 2025-2026 school year and subsequent years.

Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1197&ga=114