Bill > HB1281

This bill enhances safety protocols for released time courses in Tennessee schools by requiring criminal background checks for instructors and individuals associated with independent entities teaching these courses. Specifically, before students can be excused from school to attend a released time course, the independent entity must identify all instructors and staff who will have proximity to students, and those individuals must undergo a criminal history background check conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) prior to the 2025-2026 school year and every five years thereafter. These individuals must also release their background check results to the independent entity to verify they have not been convicted of certain offenses specified in Tennessee Code § 49-5-417(a). Additionally, the independent entity must provide a written certification to the Local Education Agency (LEA) confirming that all instructors and staff have complied with the background check requirements and have no disqualifying criminal convictions. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to released time courses starting in the 2025-2026 school year and subsequent years, with the aim of ensuring student safety during these alternative educational programs.