Tennessee House Bill HB2494

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24
• Refer: 2/1/24
• Refer: 3/26/24
• Refer: 4/3/24
• Chaptered: 5/13/24
• Passed: 5/13/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to education funding for students admitted to residential mental health facilities.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2494 will directly affect how education funding is allocated for students in residential mental health facilities. By amending the criteria for eligibility, the bill ensures that students who are undergoing treatment while being enrolled in public schools will continue to have access to the funding needed for their education. This is particularly significant in light of the increasing recognition of mental health as a critical component of overall student health and learning. The changes will be applied in the 2024-2025 school year, indicating a forward-looking approach to addressing educational needs in tandem with health care requirements.

Summary

House Bill 2494 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding education funding specifically for students admitted to residential mental health facilities. The bill establishes essential eligibility criteria for students to be funded by the state during their stay in such facilities, emphasizing that these students must be enrolled in a public school in Tennessee and that their guardians are residents of the state. This measure is seen as an important legislative change to ensure that children receiving necessary mental health care still have their educational needs addressed while they are temporarily out of their traditional school settings.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding HB 2494 appears largely supportive, particularly among legislators and advocates for mental health awareness. Supporters argue that providing educational funding continuity for students receiving mental health care is a necessary response to the challenges faced by these individuals. They believe that this bill reflects a compassion-driven approach to a significant social issue. However, there may also be concerns raised about funding sources and the logistics of implementing such a directive effectively within the state's education budget.

Contention

A potential point of contention surrounding HB 2494 could arise from the operational mechanics of funding distribution and monitoring eligibility. Critics may question how the state plans to ensure that only qualifying students receive the benefits outlined in the bill and how this could affect budget allocations for other essential education initiatives. There is also the possibility of debate regarding whether this focus on mental health funding might divert resources from other areas of educational need. However, discussions surrounding mental health have been increasingly prioritized in legislative contexts, suggesting that the bill may face less opposition than other contentious legislative proposals.