Tennessee Senate Bill SB1691

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Engrossed: 2/22/24
• Enrolled: 2/23/24
• Passed: 3/11/24
• Chaptered: 3/19/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 6, Part 30, relative to the school attendance record of a student serving as a member of the state board of education.

Impact

The passage of SB1691 will have a direct effect on how school attendance is recorded for students who are engaged in leadership roles. Specifically, it will guarantee that any time a student spends fulfilling their duties on the state board of education is considered legitimate attendance, mitigating the potential negative academic repercussions they may face. This could encourage greater student participation in governance, as it removes the concern of absenteeism affecting their grades or school standing.

Summary

Senate Bill 1691 focuses on amending the Tennessee Code Annotated to ensure that a student serving as a member of the state board of education is credited as present at their high school for the duration of their official duties. This legislative change aims to acknowledge the responsibilities undertaken by students in such roles and to prevent them from being penalized in their school attendance records. By formalizing this attendance policy, the bill underscores the importance of student involvement in governance and education policy-making at the state level.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1691 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, particularly among advocates of student representation and engagement in educational policy. This bill has garnered support as a progressive step towards integrating student voices into the decision-making processes affecting their education. There may be some concerns from traditionalists who feel that the current attendance policies should remain unchanged, but overall, the sentiment is one of support for empowering students.

Contention

While there are likely few major points of contention regarding SB1691, discussions may arise about the broader implications of increased student involvement in education governance. Some might argue about the effectiveness of student input in state-level decisions, while others may call for additional measures to ensure that student representatives are adequately prepared for their responsibilities. Nonetheless, the primary focus of the bill appears to be straightforward, aiming to facilitate student engagement without significant opposition.