Bill > SJR0559

This resolution urges the United States Congress to pass the Eliminating Discrimination And Creating Corridors to Expand Student Success (ED ACCESS) Act of 2022, or similar legislation, to remove the ban on the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) for students with felony drug convictions. The AOTC is a significant tax benefit for those pursuing higher education, and current law permanently disqualifies individuals with such convictions, despite evidence that educational programs reduce recidivism (the rate at which formerly incarcerated individuals re-offend). The resolution highlights that this restriction makes college less affordable for this population, is not an effective deterrent to drug crime, and is inconsistent with how other felony convictions are treated. It also notes past and recent legislative efforts to repeal this ban.

Budget and Finance

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SJR0559&ga=114