Tennessee House Bill HB2616

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 3/13/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to school-based health-related services.

Impact

The implications of HB2616 are significant as it can enhance clarity in contracts between LEAs and health service providers. By mandating that these agreements be fair and reasonable, the bill seeks to ensure that the interests of students and schools are prioritized. The effective date of the act is set for July 1, 2024, which indicates that it will apply to agreements entered into and obligations established thereafter. This future enactment date allows for a smooth transition and adaptation for the involved parties.

Summary

House Bill 2616 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically focusing on school-based health-related services under Title 49, Title 63, and Title 68. The primary purpose of the bill is to establish that agreements and obligations between local education agencies (LEAs) regarding these health-related services must be fair, reasonable, and aligned with the educational objectives of the LEAs. This change is anticipated to create a more structured framework for the management of health services in schools, ultimately improving the quality and accessibility of these services for students.

Contention

While the text of the bill itself does not explicitly outline any points of contention, discussions surrounding legislation of this nature often revolve around the financial implications and administrative responsibilities that come with enforcing fair and reasonable agreements. Stakeholders, including school administrators and health service providers, may have differing views on what constitutes fairness and reasonableness, which could lead to debates over the interpretation of these terms in practice. Additionally, there could be concerns regarding how this legislation interacts with existing laws and regulations governing educational and health services in Tennessee.