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HB 408

Education - As enacted, requires the Tennessee higher education commission (THEC), to serve as the governing board of directors for the Tennessee student assistance corporation; requires THEC's review committee to aid in the development or revision of state financial aid; terminates the Tennessee teaching scholars program; terminates the minority teaching fellows program. - Amends TCA Title 4 and Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Bill consolidates student aid governance under THEC while eliminating teacher recruitment incentive programs, potentially impacting educator diversity and workforce development.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 234
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Bill Summary · HB 408

Legislative bill overview

HB 408 consolidates higher education financial aid oversight by making the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) the governing board of the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation, while establishing a review committee to guide state financial aid policy development. The bill simultaneously terminates two specialized teacher recruitment programs: the Tennessee Teaching Scholars Program and the Minority Teaching Fellows Program.

Why is this important

This legislation restructures how Tennessee administers student financial aid by centralizing authority under THEC, potentially streamlining governance but also consolidating power over aid distribution. The termination of the two teacher recruitment programs removes dedicated funding and support mechanisms for filling teaching shortages, particularly in minority educator recruitment—an area many states identify as a critical workforce need.

Potential points of contention

  • Teacher pipeline impact: Eliminating specialized teaching scholar and minority teaching fellowship programs may reduce incentives for prospective teachers, potentially worsening existing teacher shortages in Tennessee schools
  • Equity concerns: The Minority Teaching Fellows Program termination removes a targeted recruitment tool for diversifying the educator workforce, raising questions about equity in educational leadership
  • Governance consolidation: Transferring student assistance corporation governance to THEC concentrates decision-making power, which may improve efficiency but reduces institutional independence and specialized focus on student aid administration

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

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