Bill > SB2485

This bill allows Local Education Agencies (LEAs), which are public school districts, and public charter schools in Tennessee to install and use video camera surveillance systems in special education classrooms to enhance safety for students, teachers, and staff. Before such systems can be continuously used to monitor students, teachers, and staff while special education or related services are being provided, the parents of a majority of the students in that classroom must give their written consent for their child to be monitored. The bill defines "parent" broadly to include guardians and those with legal custody or caregiving authority, and "special education classroom" as a setting where most students receive special education and related services for at least half of the instructional day. Access to the recorded footage is restricted, allowing it to be viewed by the parent or legal guardian of a student featured in the recording, provided it complies with privacy laws like the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), or by a teacher featured in the recording if they believe it contains evidence of an assault on them, also subject to privacy law compliance. Each LEA or public charter school implementing these systems must adopt a policy outlining how long the footage will be maintained, and the bill suggests that funding for these systems should be sought through available school safety grants.

Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=SB2485&ga=114