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SB 208

Education - As enacted, reduces the number and frequency of certain reports the comptroller of the treasury is required to submit to the state board of education and to the chairs of the education committees of the senate and house of representatives regarding the Tennessee Literacy Success Act. - Amends TCA Section 49-1-905 and Section 49-1-910.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ed Jackson

The Comptroller will review literacy plans and outcomes and publish a triannual report on literacy findings, integrating plan approvals, with DOE data requests and public release.

Effective date(s) 03/13/2025
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Bill Summary · SB 208

Summary of Bill: SB 208 (Education) – As Enacted

Session: 114 | Jurisdiction: Tennessee | Title: Education - Tennessee Literacy Success Act reports

This summary outlines the main purpose, key provisions, affected parties, and timeline aspects of SB 208 as enacted.

Purpose and Intent

  • Aligns and reduces reporting requirements related to the Tennessee Literacy Success Act.
  • Specifically changes how often the Comptroller of the Treasury (COT) must report on literacy-related activities and requires the Comptroller’s review findings to be incorporated into the annual/triannual reporting framework.

Key Provisions

  1. Enhancement of Comptroller Review (Foundational Literacy Plans)

    • The provision modifies TCA § 49-1-905(g)(6) to require:
      • The COT to review foundational literacy skills plans submitted to the Department of Education (DOE) for compliance with the Act’s requirements and state board rules.
      • The COT (or its designee) to examine whether plans were initially approved or denied by DOE and any revisions or amendments required by the DOE for approval.
      • The COT’s findings from this review to be included in the report required by § 49-1-910.

  2. Reporting Frequency and Content (Comptroller Reports)

    • The provision updates TCA § 49-1-910:
      • The COT shall review data, practices, and outcomes related to the Tennessee Literacy Success Act.
      • The DOE must provide information requested by the COT promptly.
      • Every three years, the COT must submit a report detailing the findings of the literacy review to:
      • The chair of the Senate Education Committee.
      • The chair of the House committee with jurisdiction over student literacy.
      • The State Board of Education.
      • The report must be published on the COT website.
    • This effectively reduces the frequency of annual reporting to a triannual cadence while incorporating the foundational literacy plan review into the broader annual/triannual reporting framework.

  3. Effective Date

    • Takes effect upon becoming law (immediate for implementation with fiscal year concerns addressed in the fiscal note).

Who Is Affected

  • Comptroller of the Treasury (COT): Responsible for conducting the reviews and producing the reports.
  • Department of Education (DOE): Submits foundational literacy plans and provides information requested by the COT; subject to review of plans and compliance with statutory/board rules.
  • State Board of Education: Receives COT findings and has access to the published report.
  • Senate Education Committee and House Education/Literacy-Related Committee: Receives triannual reports and may use findings for oversight and policy decisions.

Timing, Procedures, and Fiscal Impact

  • Reporting Cadence: The annual reporting requirement is replaced with a triannual report every three years, with the foundational plan review included in the report.
  • Information Requests: DOE must furnish requested information "as soon as practicable" to the COT.
  • Publication: The triannual report (and its embedded findings) must be published on the COT website.
  • Fiscal Impact: Not significant; the fiscal note indicates the changes reduce reporting frequency but do not materially alter COT operations or budget.

Practical Impact

  • Reduces administrative burden associated with annual reporting to the COT and legislative committees.
  • Maintains oversight by ensuring key findings on literacy plans and outcomes are still reported to policymakers and the public, albeit on a 3-year cycle.
  • Ensures alignment between plan approval history (DOE) and ongoing performance/outcome reviews (COT).

If you need a side-by-side comparison of pre- and post-enactment language or a one-page briefing for legislators, I can prepare that as well.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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