Children - As introduced, prohibits private schools participating in the individualized education account program, education savings account program, or that enroll recipients of an education freedom scholarship from employing an individual that has committed child abuse, severe child abuse, child sexual abuse, or child neglect; requires the department of human services to review, upon the request of certain child care agencies, an employee or potential employee to determine whether the individual has a record of perpetrating the abuse or neglect of children or adults. - Amends TCA Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 5; Title 37; Title 49 and Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ferrell Haile

Bars private schools in three state education funding programs from employing individuals with documented child abuse or neglect histories; requires DHS background reviews for child care agencies.

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/21/2026

#children

Legislative bill overview

SB 2346 prohibits private schools participating in state education funding programs (individualized education accounts, education savings accounts, and education freedom scholarships) from employing individuals with records of child abuse, severe child abuse, child sexual abuse, or child neglect. It also requires the Department of Human Services to conduct background reviews of employees or potential employees in child care agencies upon request.

Why is this important

Child safety in educational and care settings is a fundamental public concern. This bill attempts to create a screening mechanism to prevent individuals with documented histories of child abuse from working in schools and child care facilities receiving state funds, directly affecting thousands of children and families across Tennessee.

Potential points of contention

Scope and funding equity: The restrictions apply only to private schools in specific state funding programs, potentially creating different safety standards between participating and non-participating private schools, and between private and public schools

Background check burden and cost: Requiring DHS review upon request could create administrative delays and costs; unclear who bears these expenses or how quickly reviews can be completed

Due process and record definitions: The bill doesn't clarify what constitutes documented "abuse" or "neglect" (convictions vs. investigations), or whether individuals have opportunity to contest or appeal determinations made by DHS