Tennessee House Bill HB0961

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23
• Refer: 2/2/23
• Refer: 3/13/23
• Refer: 3/22/23
• Refer: 4/18/23
• Chaptered: 5/17/23
• Passed: 5/17/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-7-158, relative to the Brian Byrge Act.

Impact

The primary impact of HB 0961 is the alteration of specific provisions within the educational law, specifically those outlined in subdivision (1) of Section 49-7-158, which was deleted by this bill. This change reflects the state’s ongoing efforts to streamline educational regulations and ensure they are aligned with current educational practices and needs. The bill's passage indicates a legislative shift towards updating educational policies that may have become outdated or unaligned with contemporary teaching and learning environments.

Summary

House Bill 0961, known as the Brian Byrge Act, amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-7-158. This bill makes a significant adjustment to the existing educational legislation affecting the application and enforcement of policies within the state educational system, particularly as it relates to the academic year. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2023, and will influence policies beginning with the 2023-2024 academic year.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 0961 seems overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by its unanimous passage with a vote of 96 to 0. Supporters of the bill likely view it as a necessary update to enhance educational standards and improve the administration of academic policies in Tennessee. The lack of opposition suggests that the bill addresses a consensus on revising educational guidelines that favor the state's progress in education.

Contention

While there do not appear to be notable contentions surrounding HB 0961 at this stage, the elimination of provisions within Section 49-7-158 may have implications for future discussions about educational oversight and flexibility within the academic framework. The absence of any recorded dissent during the voting process indicates a strong bipartisan agreement, although stakeholder reactions to the specific changes in policy application may emerge as the act is implemented.