Tennessee Senate Bill SB1752

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 4, Part 7, relative to the Tennessee Promise Scholarship Act of 2014.

Impact

The bill's amendments reflect a significant shift in Tennessee's approach to vocational education by acknowledging the role of private institutions in preparing students for skilled trades. By allowing students attending approved private trade schools to benefit from the Tennessee Promise scholarship, the legislation seeks to improve workforce training options and opportunities for diverse educational pathways. Critics, however, may raise questions about the quality and oversight of private institutions compared to their public counterparts, which have established reputations and regulatory scrutiny.

Summary

Senate Bill 1752 aims to amend the Tennessee Promise Scholarship Act of 2014. The bill specifically modifies provisions related to eligibility for the scholarship, expanding the scope to include private, for-profit trade schools that meet certain criteria. This move is intended to provide greater access to financial aid for students pursuing careers in vocational fields, particularly in cosmetology, esthiology, and master barbering.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB1752 may arise surrounding the inclusion of for-profit institutions in the scholarship program. Proponents argue that this inclusion broadens educational access and aligns with the state's workforce development goals, while opponents may express concerns about the potential for profit-driven schools to compromise educational quality. Furthermore, as the bill proposes changes that will take effect in the 2024-2025 academic year, discussions will likely focus on the implications for the state's educational funding and governance in relation to these newly eligible institutions.