Bill > SB1978

This bill establishes new audit and reporting requirements for the education freedom scholarship program, which provides scholarships to students to attend private schools. The Department of Education and private schools receiving scholarship funds will be subject to audits by the comptroller of the treasury to ensure proper use of funds and student eligibility. Private schools must also provide progress reports to parents, limit tuition increases, and publicly disclose admissions criteria, tuition rates, demographics, and admittance rates. To qualify for a scholarship, a student's family income must not exceed 300% of the amount needed for free or reduced-price lunch, and scholarship recipients will be required to take the same state standardized tests (TCAP tests) as public school students in the same grade or course. The bill also mandates annual reports from the Department of Education detailing scholarship recipients, test outcomes, and expenditures, and requires private schools to undergo annual audits by certified public accountants. The comptroller will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the program by December 31, 2029, and the entire program is set to expire on July 1, 2030, unless extended.

Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1978&ga=114