Bill
Bill > SB1957
summary
Introduced
01/22/2026
01/22/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
03/09/2026
03/09/2026
Passed
04/14/2026
04/14/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/05/2026
05/05/2026
Introduced Session
114th General Assembly
Bill Summary
As enacted, enacts the "Tennessee Religious Freedom Act," which authorizes a local board of education to open a meeting of the board with a prayer led by a member of the board as long as the prayer does not require participation of any person in attendance at the meeting and no person is harassed or coerced to participate in the prayer. - Amends TCA Title 49.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the "Tennessee Religious Freedom Act," allows local school boards to begin their meetings with a prayer delivered by a board member, provided that no one is forced to join in the prayer and no one is harassed or pressured to participate. This amendment to Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, which relates to education, specifically adds this provision to the section governing local boards of education, ensuring that while prayer is permitted, it remains voluntary and respectful of all attendees.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (7)
Mark Pody (R)*,
Rusty Crowe (R),
Joey Hensley (R),
Shane Reeves (R),
Paul Rose (R),
Jessie Seal (R),
John Stevens (R),
Last Action
Effective date(s) 07/01/2026 (on 05/05/2026)
Bill Topics
Civil Rights, Minority Issues, and Civil Liberties
- ‐ Freedom of Speech and Religion
Education
- ‐ Elementary and Secondary Education
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1957&ga=114 | 01/22/2026 |
| BillText | https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/114/pub/pc0710.pdf | 05/06/2026 |
| Fiscal Note - HB1834 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/HB1834.pdf | 02/15/2026 |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/SB1957.pdf | 01/22/2026 |
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