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SB 1891

Education, Dept. of - As enacted, allows a local board of education or public charter school governing body that has not received funding from the department for purposes of awarding its teachers the bonus authorized in the Education Freedom Act of 2025 to pass the required resolution and notify the department of the same within 21 calendar days from the date the Act becomes a law, to receive funding from the department to award bonuses to teachers employed in the 2024-2025 school year. - Amends Chapter 7 of the Public Acts of the First Extraordinary Session of 2025.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Janice Bowling

Extends teacher bonus funding deadline to June 1, 2026, allowing previously ineligible Tennessee schools to claim retroactive compensation funds for 2024-2025 employees.

Pub. Ch. 655
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Bill Summary · SB 1891

Legislative bill overview

SB 1891 extends the deadline for local school boards and charter schools to apply for state funding to award teacher bonuses under Tennessee's Education Freedom Act of 2025. Schools that missed the initial funding deadline can now submit a required resolution by June 1, 2026, to receive retroactive bonus funding for teachers employed during the 2024-2025 school year.

Why is this important

This bill addresses schools that were unable to meet the original application deadline for teacher bonuses, potentially affecting compensation decisions already made or delayed. It allows a second opportunity to access state funds designated for teacher incentives, which could impact educator recruitment and retention efforts across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Fairness concerns: Schools that met the original deadline may question why late applicants receive equal access to the same funding pool without penalty or reduced amounts
  • Budget impact: The bill doesn't specify whether this represents new appropriations or reallocation of existing Education Freedom Act funds, raising questions about total fiscal impact
  • Implementation timing: The June 1, 2026 deadline for retroactive 2024-2025 bonuses creates administrative complexity for schools already distributing or withholding compensation based on original timelines

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

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