Tennessee House Bill HB0648

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23
• Refer: 2/1/23
• Refer: 2/28/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37 and Title 49, Chapter 6, relative to student attendance.

Impact

The proposed amendments are designed to strengthen the accountability of parents and guardians concerning their children's education. By classifying educational neglect as a misdemeanor and linking the severity of penalties to academic performance, the bill aims at increasing parental involvement and incentivizing students to maintain satisfactory academic standards. This could lead to more rigorous oversight of student attendance and performance, potentially aiding in a rise in the overall educational outcomes within the state.

Summary

House Bill 648 (HB0648) introduces significant amendments to the Tennessee Code regarding educational attendance. The bill seeks to address the issue of educational neglect by establishing clearer definitions and penalties associated with it. Notably, it states that a parent, guardian, or individual in control of a child could be charged with educational neglect as a Class C misdemeanor, escalating to a Class B misdemeanor if the child is categorized as being in 'poor academic standing', defined by failing core subjects or maintaining a GPA below 2.0. This change aims to legally emphasize the importance of educational engagement and academic performance for children in Tennessee.

Contention

Discussion surrounding HB0648 may highlight contention between supporters who argue that it is a necessary measure to combat the rising concern of educational neglect and opponents who may perceive it as overly punitive. Critics could argue that classifying educational neglect as a criminal offense may disproportionately affect low-income families and those who may already be struggling with various socio-economic challenges. The implications of this legislation could spark debate on the fairness and effectiveness of penal measures as a means to improve educational engagement.