Tennessee Senate Bill SB0344

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/25
• Engrossed: 3/13/25
• Enrolled: 4/1/25
• Passed: 4/11/25
• Chaptered: 5/2/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49; Title 50 and Title 71, relative to safety training.

Impact

The implementation of SB0344 is poised to strengthen safety protocols within educational settings in Tennessee. With the required training, employees will be better prepared to assist students during seizure emergencies, thereby potentially improving outcomes for affected students and offering reassurance to parents and communities regarding student safety. Additionally, the bill includes provisions that limit the liability of the LEAs and employees who are trained in this area, encouraging more schools to adopt these safety measures without fear of legal repercussions stemming from good faith efforts to help students.

Summary

Senate Bill 0344 amends the Tennessee Code Annotated to introduce mandatory seizure safety and first aid training for employees in public schools and charter schools. The bill mandates that each local education agency (LEA) and public charter school must ensure that at least one full-time employee receives this training annually. This measure aims to enhance emergency preparedness within schools, particularly in supporting students who experience seizures. The legislation reflects a growing recognition of the need for staff to be equipped to handle medical emergencies effectively.

Sentiment

Feedback around SB0344 appears to be largely positive, with supporters emphasizing the importance of preparing school personnel to respond to medical emergencies effectively. There is a consensus that such training can contribute significantly to the safety and well-being of students. However, some concerns may arise regarding the adequacy of training resources and the potential challenges schools may face in implementing such requirements, including budgetary constraints and the need for qualified trainers.

Contention

Notably, SB0344 does exclude school nurses from the employee definition required to receive the training, which has sparked some debate about whether this exclusion might undermine the effectiveness of the legislation. While proponents argue that training is vital for non-nursing staff members to manage emergencies, critics point out that nurses are often the most qualified to oversee such training and response situations. The balance between providing training and ensuring effective care continues to be a critical focus in discussions around the bill.