[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6073158,"mediaKeyId","2995209-dedf03e6d9febcc87f9631858a77288a","parentId",2995209,"title","Senate approves new tiered school-turnaround framework, sunsets select state oversight","audioSeconds",176,"startMs",5365000,"endMs",5541000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2995209-dedf03e6d9febcc87f9631858a77288a&start=5365&end=5541","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2995209-dedf03e6d9febcc87f9631858a77288a/thumbnail_5365000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6073158/Tennessee/Senate-approves-new-tiered-school-turnaround-framework-sunsets-select-state-oversight","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073158-39c93492bbc91767c0d7944ea92fece1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771129298&Signature=EgqNmGMH0kLUFc18kPMzYpIvgxiqus66jO-656jOSkkFKxExHt1YGP9T6MYpXuvZmerh8JebFVvUtcS8L-Ix2H9RWjg1YmUAwHKv01YlIoGjLl-Oll27iEblptyk2enMOfsqyAx93lXdv80DS~WKUDLu-Z5hQmW3945zfikwDwkqpnpxjMZg1gKEF9MZ8teiqDBTQ9KYVJoI4ggY0oxQWyzvVdFFW8mGVtc9mtpVHw1DqRJBp1Rgtggc-q88bFAPBrCBMhh0-vvR0YeJHPq5LbQOBsYLEEGq7g8VFfcCzfK010qeHChhMoQZtilgJ7u4WHKGGjF2jlE9cXKkt9GE6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tennessee Legislature","date","2025-04-15T00:00:00Z","article","The Senate passed Senate Bill 12-73 after floor debate that explained a multi-tiered approach to school turnaround and the transition away from some state-level oversight of the Achievement School District (ASD).

What the bill does

As amended, SB 12-73 establishes a three-tier intervention framework for priority schools. Tier 1 offers districts the option to select evidence-based interventions or work with turnaround partners; Tier 2 includes more intensive actions such as charter conversion or staffing/leadership reconstitution; Tier 3 allows for the most consequential steps, including school closure or full reconstitution overseen by the department when prior interventions fail. Schools identified as priority for the first time begin in Tier 1. The bill includes a transition timeline for winding down the ASD with a start in the 2026-27 school year, per the floor explanation.

Why sponsors and critics spoke

Leader Johnson, who led the motion on the bill, said the tiered model provides local districts more authority and flexibility while preserving accountability. Several senators raised concerns about Tier 3 options—in particular, the potential burden of school closure and rezoning on students and families; a senator on the floor reiterated discomfort with closures but nonetheless supported the overall package.

Outcome and next steps

The floor voted to pass SB 12-73 (Ayes 32, No nays). The bill’s implementation will depend on department rulemaking and local district decisions; the transition schedule and oversight details called for in the bill will determine which schools progress through tiers and the timing of any closures or conversions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Floor Session\tApr 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 12-73 would restructure how low-performing K‑12 schools are addressed by creating a three-tier intervention framework, transitioning select state oversight functions and setting a timeline for the Achievement School District transition.","taxTitle","Senate Floor Session, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Tennessee","taxId",79856,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6073163,"Senate approves expanded liability protections for firearms manufacturers and sellers after heated floor debate",47,7166000,7213000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2995209-dedf03e6d9febcc87f9631858a77288a&start=7166&end=7213","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2995209-dedf03e6d9febcc87f9631858a77288a/thumbnail_7166000.jpg","/articles/6073163/Tennessee/Senate-approves-expanded-liability-protections-for-firearms-manufacturers-and-sellers-after-heated-floor-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073163-4e3146d3ad10af6f8233d5795093d07e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771129298&Signature=nGI22ITN~NrtmJf2k743qFBEv4CAVmqcUuoTKIHprpCsAW1SY-rJpoAxYmRiD~nCTAesNFdiV1siZ8FC~sq-So5ivaRTRoCYP8SwXDMtCPs2yh1q6OFNy91hXMfHK51K9pJoDow9lBSe8sp9tFfgif1LDOQ1MSFVpiVIoHGEK7hE6OD4D2Df72TRHw9nWdMNmTsm0lpXcMOzwjsw6i8agi3Lto4l~BLEzOMuoeEdukmu~iT3vib7KxJSOqOY0hwJr-yeaj~96mDxqm2ITLUvY5JMmnf02dGhTk86Qis0ukOucH2squR~UBkmpTVVKgfqNkjmxlXxhp5XKSWMSNkfag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 13-60 passed on third and final consideration following extended floor debate over the scope of civil-liability protections for firearms manufacturers, dealers and sellers.

Sponsor and purpose

Senator Hensley, the sponsor, said the bill extends and clarifies liability protections for manufacturers and dealers, including protections against certain foreign claims and limits on civil actions. He said the measure protects a Tennessee firearms industry that employs about 8,000 people across roughly 20 manufacturers and sellers, and is intended to block “frivolous lawsuits.”

Opposition and concerns

Opponents, led on the floor by Senator Yarbrough, said the bill goes further than prior statutes and raises accountability concerns. They criticized provisions that: (1) expand the list of covered products, (2) limit negligence-based claims (removing some forms of negligence per se), and (3) impose fee‑shifting or multiplier penalties on plaintiffs who lose their case. Senator Campbell explicitly asked whether the bill forces courts to assess triple penalties against unsuccessful plaintiffs; the sponsor confirmed the provision exists in the bill. Opponents expressed concern that the measure could leave lawful firearm owners without recourse when harmed by defective products and that the bill’s definitions broaden protections beyond federally licensed manufacturers.

Floor outcome

After debate and a question‑and‑answer exchange that lasted multiple floor turns, the Senate voted to pass the measure. The clerk announced the final tally as Ayes 25, Nays 6. The motion to reconsider was then tabled.

Context and next steps

The sponsor framed the bill as protecting charter employers in Tennessee. Opponents said the text reduces liability avenues for injured consumers. The final enacted text and any implementing guidance will determine precisely which claims remain available and which entities gain protections; those details should be confirmed with the enrolled bill and the official Senate journal.","Senate Bill 13-60 passed after hours of floor debate. Sponsors said the measure protects local firearms industry jobs and shields manufacturers and dealers from certain civil liability; opponents warned the bill narrows accountability for defective products and could chill plaintiffs’ legal recourse.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6073168,"Tennessee Senate clears wide range of bills in floor session; votes at a glance",48,1536000,1584000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2995209-dedf03e6d9febcc87f9631858a77288a&start=1536&end=1584","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2995209-dedf03e6d9febcc87f9631858a77288a/thumbnail_1536000.jpg","/articles/6073168/Tennessee/Tennessee-Senate-clears-wide-range-of-bills-in-floor-session-votes-at-a-glance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073168-ef6c5aa8b102f0a2aca045d77b915bb8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771129298&Signature=WLc6kys-51hUQfod~fune0jBPY4Ceqgiz2u0LeZ2B2fGU7RGT1ddkqhhvyzRgX-yXyloBNRw2aAQjAUzTr~yiGqa-f5bVrHbxEl13Ewr27DXf3EvpLG4T1Go3E~mEFj8-z5JityNZTwrx7wAcrvtkkRYrYa56f3r~hlP07KnXCbxwqU-hcnSbEJdT6glaBZiUVLGJNPNflq5MzGkn9tVLmWO3pAx1Qua3fPqLYcNXCtD3q~yoJTEzwsRkB1xvMwSRIRfzZRw09qjqrT~jAJ2VIacrffJfSR6oBdztJ2qfTq1GIcDbqrIRYvdTDznV1IOKKW83Y7AFsKUSOdOeNh7mw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate convened for a floor session that advanced and passed a long list of bills on a range of policy areas, from corrections and education to public records and regulatory alignment with federal programs.

Most measures were adopted after committee amendments and floor votes. Several bills drew extended debate (see separate coverage for firearm-liability, education turnaround and bail-bonds measures). Other items on the calendar were adopted largely by voice or recorded roll call and are summarized below.

Votes at a glance

- Senate Joint Resolution 446 (honorific for University of Tennessee Chattanooga basketball team): Passed without objection (Ayes 32, No nays). Motion to suspend rules and adopt carried on the floor.

- House Bill 1073 (amendment to TCA 2-10-303 regarding candidate collaboration with organizations and disclosure): Passed on third consideration (Ayes 28, Nays 3). Sponsor: Senator Lowe (conforming/substitute). The bill adds subsection (g) to Tennessee Code Annotated 2-10-303 to allow collaboration between candidates and membership or grassroots groups while preserving organizational-level disclosure.

- House Bill 1256 (bench-warrant and judicial clerk timing clarifications): Passed on third consideration (Ayes 31, No nays). Sponsor: Senator Gardner (conform & substitute).

- Senate Bill 11-38 (sewer-service study requirement / landowner connection request): Passed as amended (Ayes 26, Nays 6). Amendment added study and connection-request provisions for municipalities operating sewer outside corporate limits longer than 25 years.

- Senate Bill 128 (standards for animal chiropractic, registration provisions): Passed on third consideration (Ayes 28, Nays 2). Sponsor: Senator Bailey. The bill creates training/certification and registration pathways for chiropractors and veterinarians providing animal chiropractic services.

- Senate Bill 298 / House Bill 2-98 (nonsectarian K‑12 course approval changes): Passed (Ayes 31, No nays). Sponsor: Senator Roberts; shifts some curriculum approval authority to local education agencies consistent with State Board of Education rules.

- House Bill 219 / Senate Bill 5-19 (reporting by foreign purchasers of agricultural land to Commissioner of Agriculture): Passed (Ayes 30, No nays). Sponsor: Senator Roberts; requires filings to state Commissioner in addition to federal AFIDA reporting.

- House Bill 4095 / Senate Bill 606 (cap on third‑party fees for hospital electronic medical records requests): Passed (Ayes 30, No nays). Sponsor: Senator Bailey; establishes a $90 flat fee for electronic medical records requests to hospitals by third parties.

- Senate Bill 11-66 (TBI reporting on DUI arrests with no alcohol detected; sunset added): Passed (Ayes 32, No nays). Sponsor: Senator Ackbery; amendment adds sunset date 07/01/2029 for the reporting requirement.

- Senate Bill 12-02 (bail-bonds procedural safeguards; surety release hearing and clerk initialing requirement): Passed (Ayes 32, No nays). Sponsor: Senator Jackson; amendment allows a surety to petition the court for release after showing good-faith efforts to locate a defendant and requires bondsmen to initial bond order pages.

- Senate Bill 12-39 (creation of Tennessee Task Force to End Childhood Hunger): Passed (Ayes 29, No nays). Sponsor: Senator Jackson; amendment creates 14-member task force and a July 2026 report requirement.

- Senate Bill 12-40 (certification standards for recovery residences / recovery-home requirements): Passed as amended (Ayes 26, No nays). Sponsor: Senator Gardner; amendment requires safety measures, testing, inspections and confidentiality for addresses of recovery residences.

- House Bill 8-63 (change of an earlier law's term from in perpetuity to 30 years): Passed (Ayes 32, No nays).

- House Bill 10-90 / Senate Bill 12-01 (DOC study on facility for incarcerated individuals working during day / reentry study): Passed (Ayes 32, No nays). Sponsor: Chairman Jackson; study due to speakers by Jan. 1, 2026.

- Senate Bill 12-65 (state takeover / alignment of meat inspection program with USDA standards): Passed (Ayes 31, No nays). Sponsor: Senator Lowe; amendment removed TBI criminal background check requirement; bill aligns Tennessee program with USDA primacy standards.

- House Bill 13-06 (local incentives for housing, TIF / PILOT eligibility expansion; permissive local authority): Passed (Ayes 28, Nays 19) per the rollcall reported on the floor.

- Senate Bill 12-73 (education / new tiered turnaround framework to replace some ASD functions): Passed (Ayes 32, No nays). Sponsor: Leader Johnson; amended to include transition timing and to maintain accountability while providing districts more authority over interventions.

- Additional bills on the calendar were considered and passed with recorded roll call tallies noted on the floor; the clerk's official journal contains the full roll-call record and statutory text.

Why it matters

The package advances changes touching local government authority over housing incentives, K‑12 turnaround policy, criminal-justice reporting and bail processes, state regulatory alignment with federal programs, and consumer-facing fees for medical records. Several measures include reporting or sunset dates aimed at periodic legislative review.

What comes next

Sponsors and affected agencies (Education, Department of Correction, TDEC, Agriculture) will implement reporting and rulemaking provisions; some measures require further regulatory action or rule development before operational changes take effect. The Senate calendar and committee reports indicated budget work will continue in Senate Finance and appropriation subcommittees ahead of the scheduled budget vote.","The Tennessee Senate met in floor session and passed a broad package of bills spanning election rules, education, criminal-justice studies, health records fees, land use and regulatory changes. Several bills generated substantial debate; others passed with little discussion.","actionData","errors"]

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Senate approves new tiered school-turnaround framework, sunsets select state oversight

Senate approves expanded liability protections for firearms manufacturers and sellers after heated floor debate

Tennessee Senate clears wide range of bills in floor session; votes at a glance