Tennessee Senate Bill SB0359

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 50, Part 10, relative to salaries paid at state special schools.

Impact

The impact of SB0359 on state laws primarily revolves around education funding and salary regulations for teachers in state special schools. By establishing a salary floor based on the highest current salary schedule, the bill seeks to improve the financial support for special education staff. This could potentially enhance the quality of education provided to students in these schools, as competitive salaries may attract and retain more qualified personnel. Furthermore, it helps to ensure that salaries are not reduced from prior years, promoting stability in compensation.

Summary

Senate Bill 359 (SB0359) aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 49, Chapter 50, Part 10, regarding salaries for teachers and other professional personnel at state special schools. The bill mandates that starting July 1, 2023, salaries for these staff members must not be less than those of comparable positions at the state special school with the highest salary schedule. This change is intended to ensure fair compensation for educators working in specialized education settings, aligning their pay with the highest standards available at similar institutions.

Contention

While the bill may be largely seen as beneficial for those working within state special schools, there may be points of contention regarding funding and budget allocations. Critics might argue that this measure could strain state budgets, especially if there are insufficient appropriations to meet the new salary requirements. Additionally, some may raise concerns about how these changes might affect funding for other education sectors or programs within the state, potentially disadvantaging students in less specialized schools if resources are reallocated.

Voting_historical_context

The bill received unanimous support in the Senate Education Committee, which recommended its passage with a vote of 9-0 on March 15, 2023. Following this endorsement, the bill was referred to the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee for further consideration. This trajectory suggests strong initial bipartisan support, but the discussions in the finance committee may reveal more about the fiscal implications of the proposed salary adjustments.