AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 49; Title 8 and Title 49, relative to the Education Freedom Act of 2025.
The bill is expected to have significant implications for state education funding and local education agencies (LEAs). It introduces an education freedom scholarship program that would enable up to 20,000 scholarships initially, with the potential for future expansions based on demand. The funding structure specifies that these scholarships will be drawn from state sources and are not considered taxable income for recipients. Importantly, the scholarship funds must be spent on specific educational expenses, including tuition, textbooks, and tutoring, thus directing public funds toward private educational services rather than traditional public institutions.
House Bill 6004, also known as the Education Freedom Act of 2025, seeks to enhance educational choice for families in Tennessee by providing a scholarship program for eligible students. This program allows parents to select private educational institutions for their children, with funding following the students. The bill builds on the existing framework established by the Hope Scholarship and aims to expand access primarily for underserved and minority students, reflecting a commitment to educational equity within the state. The proposed scholarships are intended to alleviate financial barriers for families seeking alternatives to public schooling.
While proponents of HB6004 emphasize the importance of parental choice in education, there are fears that the bill could exacerbate funding inequities and undermine public schools. Critics argue that directing funding away from public schools into private institutions could weaken the quality of education available to students who remain in the public system. Additionally, concerns about accountability and standards in private education settings have surfaced, as the bill affords these institutions significant autonomy, thereby limiting state oversight. Given the disparities that may arise, the debate around this bill highlights the ongoing tensions in educational reform and funding in Tennessee.