Bill > SB1714

This bill, titled the "Protecting Religious Liberty and Expression in Public Schools Act," amends Tennessee law to redefine how the "separation of church and state doctrine" is applied in public schools, arguing that past interpretations have unfairly restricted religious expression. It establishes that state officers and employees can only enforce this doctrine or the Establishment Clause (a part of the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment that prevents government from establishing a religion) when legally compelled by a court order or a direct, unavoidable U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The bill also allows individuals harmed by violations of these provisions to sue, potentially recovering damages and legal fees, and imposes liability for attorney's fees on those who unsuccessfully sue to enforce the separation of church and state doctrine or the Establishment Clause against others. Furthermore, it mandates that public schools teach the Bible as literature and provide age-appropriate instruction on its historical and moral content, while prohibiting the teaching of the Bible as religious dogma or coercing belief, and requires schools to offer a designated period for prayer and Bible reading, with specific consent requirements and opt-out provisions for students and employees, while also allowing for individual prayer and Bible reading outside of this designated time.

Education, Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1714&ga=114