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HB 380

Education, Curriculum - As enacted, requires the state textbook and instructional materials quality commission, in consultation with the department of education, to develop a plan for the commission to review and submit to the state board of education for approval of electronic textbooks and instructional materials for use by virtual schools established by LEAs. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by William Slater

Tennessee mandates textbook commission review of e-materials for virtual schools to ensure quality standards apply to digital instruction.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 427
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Bill Summary · HB 380

Legislative bill overview

HB 380 requires Tennessee's textbook and instructional materials quality commission to develop a plan for reviewing and approving electronic textbooks and instructional materials specifically for virtual schools operated by local education agencies. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 49 (Education) and became public law in May 2025.

Why is this important

As virtual and hybrid learning models expand in Tennessee schools, this bill establishes a formal vetting process to ensure digital educational materials meet quality standards. This addresses a potential gap where virtual schools may have been using electronic materials without the same systematic review process applied to traditional textbooks.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Developing a new review plan and expanding commission responsibilities may require additional state funding and staffing
  • Timeline concerns: The bill doesn't specify deadlines for plan development or implementation, which could delay virtual school access to approved materials
  • Scope definition: The bill doesn't clarify what counts as "instructional materials" in digital form (apps, websites, interactive content), potentially creating ambiguity in what requires approval

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

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