WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1507

Education - As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee School Safety Act of 2026"; requires a student who has been expelled on two or more separate occasions for the zero tolerance offense of threatening mass violence on school property or at a school-related activity to submit to a psychiatric examination conducted by a medical professional; prohibits the student from returning to school or a school-related activity until the medical professional finds that the student is no longer a threat to the school and can safely return to school. - Amends TCA Section 39-13-813 and Title 49, Chapter 6.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Todd Warner

Requires psychiatric clearance from a medical professional before students expelled twice for mass violence threats can return to school.

Meeting Canceled
#education
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1507

Legislative bill overview

HB 1507 requires students expelled twice or more for threatening mass violence to undergo psychiatric evaluation before returning to school. A medical professional must certify the student is no longer a threat before readmission is permitted. The bill amends Tennessee's criminal code and education statutes to implement this safety requirement.

Why is this important

School safety is a significant public concern, and threat assessment mechanisms aim to prevent violence. However, this policy creates potential barriers to education and raises questions about due process, medical liability, and how threat determinations are made—issues affecting students' futures and civil rights.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: Whether psychiatric examination requirements constitute appropriate gatekeeping for re-entry versus potential punishment beyond expulsion without judicial oversight
  • Medical/liability questions: What standards define "threat to school," who bears responsibility for clearance decisions, and whether schools or medical professionals are liable for missed warning signs post-clearance
  • Educational access: Whether conditioning school return on psychiatric clearance disproportionately affects students with mental health diagnoses or creates indefinite exclusion if professionals decline certification
  • Implementation specifics: The bill lacks detail on funding, professional qualifications, examination standards, appeal processes, or timelines for evaluation

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

Sign in to ask a question.