Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SB0315

Introduced
1/20/23  
Engrossed
2/27/23  
Enrolled
3/14/23  
Passed
3/31/23  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 9; Title 38 and Title 49, relative to school safety.

Impact

If enacted, SB0315 would significantly alter the scope of school safety regulations by defining the responsibilities of law enforcement in the context of nonpublic schools. This bill would empower counties and municipalities to enter into agreements with private schools, specifying pertinent details such as officer duties, liability waivers, and the overall longevity of contracts. As such, there would be potential implications for existing laws related to school safety and operational oversight of law enforcement in educational settings.

Summary

Senate Bill 315 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance school safety by allowing county or municipality law enforcement agencies to provide resource officers to nonpublic schools. The bill is designed to facilitate collaborations between local governments and nonpublic educational institutions for improved security measures within these schools. By providing the legal framework for such partnerships, SB0315 addresses the growing concerns regarding safety in educational environments across the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB0315 appears to be generally supportive among lawmakers and advocates for enhanced school safety. The bill garnered significant approval during voting, reflecting a strong legislative backing. However, it may also face scrutiny as stakeholders consider the implications of law enforcement's presence in nonpublic educational environments. Critics could raise concerns about the nature of such relationships and the adequacy of training provided to resource officers in nonpublic settings.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the enforcement of school resource officer contracts and the extent of law enforcement involvement in nonpublic schools. Some may raise questions about whether nonpublic schools should have the same level of security as public institutions, and if funding and support are equitably distributed between both types of schools. Additionally, the potential waiver of sovereign immunity for law enforcement officers under certain conditions could lead to discussions about accountability and liability in these new arrangements.

Companion Bills

TN HB1456

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 9; Title 38 and Title 49, relative to school safety.

Previously Filed As

TN HB1456

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 9; Title 38 and Title 49, relative to school safety.

TN HB1899

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 37; Title 38; Title 49 and Title 62, relative to school safety.

TN SB2025

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 37; Title 38; Title 49 and Title 62, relative to school safety.

TN HB7063

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 37; Title 38; Title 49 and Title 62, relative to school safety.

TN SB7094

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 37; Title 38; Title 49 and Title 62, relative to school safety.

TN HB0214

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 5; Title 37; Title 38; Title 49; Section 55-8-151 and Title 62, relative to school safety.

TN SB0257

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 5; Title 37; Title 38; Title 49; Section 55-8-151 and Title 62, relative to school safety.

TN HB2678

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 37; Title 49; Title 50; Title 66 and Title 67, relative to education.

TN SB2557

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 37; Title 49; Title 50; Title 66 and Title 67, relative to education.

TN HB1664

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 37; Title 38; Title 49 and Title 62, relative to law enforcement at schools.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.