Tennessee House Bill 6004, introduced on January 22, 2025, aims to amend existing educational funding and scholarship regulations in the state. The bill primarily addresses the allocation of funds to local education agencies (LEAs) and establishes criteria for scholarship eligibility based on lawful presence in the United States.

One of the key provisions of the bill stipulates that the Department of Education must deny scholarship applications from students who cannot prove their lawful presence in the U.S. This measure has sparked significant debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups, with proponents arguing it ensures that state resources are allocated to legal residents, while opponents contend it may unfairly penalize deserving students who lack documentation.

Additionally, the bill introduces a mechanism for LEAs to receive additional funding if their Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) allocation decreases due to disenrollment. Specifically, if an LEA's current TISA allocation is less than the previous year's allocation and it has experienced disenrollment, the Department of Education is required to provide supplementary funds to equal the prior year's allocation. This provision aims to stabilize funding for schools facing challenges in student retention.

The implications of House Bill 6004 are significant, as it intertwines educational funding with immigration status, potentially affecting thousands of students and their families. Experts suggest that while the funding provisions may help some schools, the scholarship eligibility criteria could lead to increased disparities in educational access.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it is expected to face further scrutiny and possible amendments. Stakeholders are closely monitoring the discussions, as the outcomes could reshape the landscape of educational funding and access in Tennessee for years to come.