Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SB0567

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 4, Part 9, relative to financial aid.

Impact

The changes proposed in SB0567 will impact financial aid distribution by redefining eligibility criteria for students seeking technical education funding. The bill seeks to provide clarity on the types of postsecondary institutions that qualify for state-sponsored financial aid, thereby ensuring that established, accredited institutions can offer assistance to their students. This redefinition is expected to streamline access to financial aid, particularly for independent students pursuing diplomas or certificates in technical fields. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2023, thereby influencing financial aid for the 2023-2024 academic year and onwards.

Summary

Senate Bill 0567 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 49, Chapter 4, Part 9, relating to financial aid for students in technical education programs. The bill introduces criteria for private, nonprofit technical schools to qualify for public financial assistance through the Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant and the Wilder-Naifeh reconnect grant. Key amendments include requiring these schools to have been established in the state for at least seventy-five years and be accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Furthermore, the bill clarifies definitions regarding eligible institutions and the requirements for students to receive grants.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB0567 may derive from the criteria introduced for qualifying institutions. While proponents argue that these measures ensure quality and accountability among institutions receiving state funds, critics may raise concerns about potentially limiting student options for financial assistance. The emphasis on longevity and accreditation could be perceived as exclusionary to newly established institutions that may offer innovative programs catering to student needs. As such, the discussions could revolve around the balance between ensuring institutional reliability and promoting educational access.

Companion Bills

TN HB0519

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 4, Part 9, relative to financial aid.

Similar Bills

TN SB1014

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1, Chapter 3; Section 2-3-107; Title 4, Chapter 29, Part 2; Section 8-35-242; Section 8-38-126; Section 9-8-203; Section 10-7-504; Section 37-1-408 and Title 49, relative to charter schools.

TN HB0992

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1, Chapter 3; Section 2-3-107; Title 4, Chapter 29, Part 2; Section 8-35-242; Section 8-38-126; Section 9-8-203; Section 10-7-504; Section 37-1-408 and Title 49, relative to charter schools.

TN HB0074

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 8; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 40; Title 41; Title 49; Title 50; Title 54; Title 55; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to high school equivalency credentials.

TN SB0255

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 8; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 40; Title 41; Title 49; Title 50; Title 54; Title 55; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to high school equivalency credentials.

TN HB0321

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN SB0329

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN SB1227

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN HB1189

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.