Bill > HB1974

This bill requires public schools in Tennessee to create and implement a student safety plan when an order of protection is issued between two enrolled students, aiming to protect the student who is the petitioner (the one seeking protection) from the student who is the respondent (the one against whom protection is sought). This plan, developed by the school principal and potentially a school safety team with input from the petitioner's parent or guardian, must be in place within five school days of the school receiving the order of protection. Key provisions include protocols for sharing the order with school staff, physically separating the students as much as possible by removing the respondent from shared classes or activities and adjusting schedules to avoid contact, establishing a way for students to report any contact, documenting any attempts by the respondent to contact the petitioner, and outlining procedures for contacting law enforcement if a violation is suspected. Parents or guardians of the petitioner are also required to inform the school of any changes to the order of protection so the safety plan can be updated.