Tennessee Education Committee approves key bills including STRONG Act renewal and literacy review
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The Education Committee of the Tennessee State Legislature convened on February 18, 2025, to discuss several key legislative bills impacting education in the state. The meeting began with a moment of prayer led by the committee chair, emphasizing the importance of their responsibilities towards Tennessee's children.
The committee addressed five bills, with House Bill 114, sponsored by Chairman Moon, being the first on the agenda. This bill seeks to renew the STRONG Act, which provides financial support for members of the National Guard attending college. An amendment was added to clarify that the Department of Military will cover 100% of the maximum resident state tuition as a last-dollar reimbursement. The bill also proposes to increase the credit hour cap for bachelor's degrees and streamline the reimbursement request process. The committee unanimously voted in favor of the bill, which is included in the governor's budget with an allocation of approximately $4 million.
Next, House Bill 382, presented by Representative Butler, was discussed. This bill introduces the Law Enforcement Against Drugs (LEAD) program as an optional alternative to the traditional DARE program in schools. The amendment made it clear that local education agencies (LEAs) can choose to implement either program. The LEAD program aims to provide evidence-based drug resistance education and has been successfully utilized in 45 counties across Tennessee. The committee voted 17 to 1 in favor of this bill.
House Bill 187, introduced by Representative Mayberry, was the third item on the agenda. This bill proposes to change the reporting frequency of the Literacy Success Act from annually to every three years. This adjustment is intended to allow for a more thorough analysis of literacy programs and their effectiveness. The committee unanimously supported this bill, voting 18 to 0 in favor.
The final bill discussed was House Bill 326, presented by Representative Bolso. An amendment was added to this bill, which comes from the naming and designating committee. The specifics of this bill were not detailed in the transcript, but it was noted that the committee moved forward with the amendment.
In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the committee's commitment to enhancing educational programs and support for students in Tennessee. All bills discussed were moved forward for further consideration, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing educational needs in the state.
The committee addressed five bills, with House Bill 114, sponsored by Chairman Moon, being the first on the agenda. This bill seeks to renew the STRONG Act, which provides financial support for members of the National Guard attending college. An amendment was added to clarify that the Department of Military will cover 100% of the maximum resident state tuition as a last-dollar reimbursement. The bill also proposes to increase the credit hour cap for bachelor's degrees and streamline the reimbursement request process. The committee unanimously voted in favor of the bill, which is included in the governor's budget with an allocation of approximately $4 million.
Next, House Bill 382, presented by Representative Butler, was discussed. This bill introduces the Law Enforcement Against Drugs (LEAD) program as an optional alternative to the traditional DARE program in schools. The amendment made it clear that local education agencies (LEAs) can choose to implement either program. The LEAD program aims to provide evidence-based drug resistance education and has been successfully utilized in 45 counties across Tennessee. The committee voted 17 to 1 in favor of this bill.
House Bill 187, introduced by Representative Mayberry, was the third item on the agenda. This bill proposes to change the reporting frequency of the Literacy Success Act from annually to every three years. This adjustment is intended to allow for a more thorough analysis of literacy programs and their effectiveness. The committee unanimously supported this bill, voting 18 to 0 in favor.
The final bill discussed was House Bill 326, presented by Representative Bolso. An amendment was added to this bill, which comes from the naming and designating committee. The specifics of this bill were not detailed in the transcript, but it was noted that the committee moved forward with the amendment.
In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the committee's commitment to enhancing educational programs and support for students in Tennessee. All bills discussed were moved forward for further consideration, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing educational needs in the state.
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