HB 777 - SB 1085
FISCAL NOTE
Fiscal Review Committee
Tennessee General Assembly
March 3, 2025
Fiscal Analyst: Laura Moore | Email: laura.moore@capitol.tn.gov | Phone: 615-741-2564
HB 777 - SB 1085
SUMMARY OF BILL: Expands eligibility for state lottery scholarships to include students
enrolled in a private postsecondary institution that has its primary campus domiciled in this state,
and that is a candidate for accreditation by a regional accrediting association, rather than only those
institutions that have already received such accreditation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
OTHER FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed legislation could increase state expenditures to the Lottery for Education Account if
any additional institutions become a candidate for accreditation. The extent and timing of any such
impacts are dependent upon multiple unknown factors and cannot be determined with reasonable
certainty.
Assumptions:
• The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is
the regional accrediting agency for institutions of higher education domiciled in Tennessee.
• According to the SACSCOC Accredited and Candidate List published February 2025, there are
no institutions in Tennessee that are currently classified as a candidate for accreditation.
• Based on information provided by the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation, one
postsecondary institution in Tennessee has begun the application process for candidacy
status with SACSCOC. It is unknown when or if approval for candidacy will occur.
• If a new private postsecondary institution is approved for candidacy, then it is assumed
there will be an increase in state expenditures to the Lottery for Education Account
beginning the first academic year the institution received status as a candidate. The number
and amount of scholarship awards to students will be contingent upon multiple unknown
factors such as the type of institution, the specific types of lottery scholarships that may be
available to its students, and each individual student's qualifications and financial aid status.
• Due to those unknown variables, a precise estimate of the timing and impact to the Lottery
for Education Account cannot be determined at this time.
HB 777 - SB 1085 2
CERTIFICATION:
The information contained herein is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Bojan Savic, Executive Director