Tennessee Senate Bill SB2713

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 49, relative to higher education.

Impact

The bill’s changes will take effect on July 1, 2024, and include significant alterations to how capital projects at institutions of higher education are managed. The commission is tasked with reviewing institutions' submissions regarding capital outlay projects, ensuring that claims regarding their economic impact and student benefits are substantiated. Additionally, by eliminating the previous governing board, the commission aims to enhance oversight while allowing institutions to maintain responsibility over their individual academic programs and plans.

Summary

Senate Bill 2713 aims to amend certain provisions in the Tennessee Code Annotated related to higher education, specifically addressing the structure and governance of student assistance programs in the state. The bill proposes the establishment of the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation within the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, effectively dissolving the current governing board of directors for this corporation. This move is intended to centralize and streamline the administration of student assistance programs, making governance more efficient under the higher education commission.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB2713 is the balance of power and control between the commission and the institutions. While the bill aims to improve oversight and reduce redundancies, stakeholders may raise concerns regarding autonomy and the decision-making capabilities of individual institutions. Some may argue that consolidating authority in the commission could lead to a one-size-fits-all approach that does not account for the unique needs and circumstances of different institutions across Tennessee.