Tennessee House Bill HB0997

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/25
• Refer: 2/10/25
• Refer: 3/4/25
• Refer: 4/2/25
• Chaptered: 5/13/25
• Passed: 5/13/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 13 and Title 49, Chapter 6, relative to public charter schools.

Impact

The bill's passage would significantly impact state laws governing the enrollment process for public charter schools. By eliminating fees associated with transferring between local education authorities, the legislation seeks to enhance the attractiveness of charter schools as viable educational options for families. This shift is expected to increase student enrollment in charter schools, potentially leading to an expansion of educational choices for families in Tennessee. Furthermore, it may also influence the financial dynamics between traditional public schools and charter schools, as student funding often follows the student.

Summary

House Bill 0997 is an act aimed at amending the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning public charter schools. The primary focus of the bill is to facilitate student transfers within county local education agencies (LEAs) by preventing these agencies from charging registration fees, enrollment fees, or tuition for students who wish to transfer to a charter school from another LEA located within the same county. This is intended to promote greater accessibility and mobility for students seeking to enroll in charter schools without facing financial barriers.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB0997 appears to be largely positive among supporters, including educators and advocates for school choice, who argue that removing financial hurdles is crucial for providing equal access to education. However, there may also be concerns among opponents regarding the financial implications for traditional public schools, which could lose funding as students transfer to charter schools without any additional sources of revenue to offset their reduced enrollments. This dichotomy reflects ongoing debates over education funding and resource allocation within the state.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its intended benefits, contention arises from the potential long-term effects on public education funding and the operational viability of traditional public schools. Critics may argue that by allowing students to transfer freely to charter schools without financial penalties, traditional schools will face increasing strain, resulting in budget shortfalls that could affect their ability to provide quality education. As a result, the dialogue around this bill touches on critical issues around educational equity, access, and the financial sustainability of different education models.