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HB 290

Education - As introduced, converts the school safety alert grant pilot program to a statewide two-year school safety alert grant program; removes the limit on the number of grants that may be awarded in a fiscal year. - Amends TCA Title 49 and Chapter 944 of the Public Acts of 2024.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ron Gant

Expands Tennessee's school safety alert grant program statewide for two years with unlimited annual grant awards, removing previous pilot program restrictions.

P2C, ref. to Education Committee - Government Operations for Review
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Bill Summary · HB 290

Legislative bill overview

HB 290 would expand Tennessee's school safety alert grant program from a limited pilot to a statewide initiative, removing caps on the number of grants awarded annually. The bill amends existing education statutes to make this program permanent for a two-year period and allow broader participation by schools across the state.

Why is this important

School safety alert systems help institutions respond to emergencies and threats more effectively. Expanding grant availability increases the number of schools that can implement these systems, potentially improving emergency preparedness statewide. However, the fiscal impact and whether current funding can sustain unlimited grants are key considerations.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism unclear: The bill removes grant number limits but doesn't specify how expanded funding will be secured, raising questions about the state budget impact
  • Pilot program rationale: Converting a pilot to statewide without published results from the original program may skip important evaluation steps
  • Equity in implementation: Removing caps could benefit well-resourced districts first, potentially widening disparities in school safety infrastructure across wealthy and under-resourced areas

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

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