Tennessee Senate Bill SB1018

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/25
• Engrossed: 3/6/25
• Enrolled: 4/22/25
• Passed: 5/5/25
• Chaptered: 5/13/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 13 and Title 49, Chapter 6, relative to public charter schools.

Impact

The implications of SB 1018 on state laws primarily emphasize the rights of students in terms of educational access and financial equity. By prohibiting fees for in-county transfers, the bill seeks to promote fairness in the educational opportunities available to students residing in areas served by multiple LEAs. This change could enhance student mobility and support the growth of charter schools as viable alternatives to traditional public education, which may lead to shifts in funding allocations and resource distribution among schools.

Summary

Senate Bill 1018 aims to amend certain provisions of the Tennessee Code relative to public charter schools, specifically focusing on the financial aspect of student transfers between local education agencies (LEAs) within the same county. The bill proposes that public charter schools authorized to operate within a county shall not charge registration fees, enrollment fees, or tuition for students who transfer from another LEA in the same county. This aims to facilitate easier access to charter schools for local students, potentially increasing enrollment in these institutions and ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent students from attending their preferred schools.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 1018 appears to be generally positive among supporters of educational reform and those advocating for the expansion of charter schools. Advocates argue that the bill will remove unnecessary financial barriers for families, thus promoting educational choice. However, there may also be concerns from some stakeholders, such as traditional public schools and local governments, who fear that the bill could divert funding away from existing schools and disrupt the balance of educational resources in their communities.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential financial impact on local public schools, which may struggle with budgets if charter school enrollments rise significantly without adequate funding adjustments. Critics may also argue that while the bill aims to benefit students, it could inadvertently undermine the stability of traditional public schools by incentivizing transfers to charter schools. The debate will likely center around how best to ensure that all schools, both charter and traditional, can sustainably operate while meeting the educational needs of the community.