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SB 1312

Education, Higher - As introduced, terminates the governing board of directors for the Tennessee student assistance corporation (TSAC); requires the Tennessee higher education commission to be the governing board for TSAC; changes the name of the "Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant" to "TennesseeWORKS scholarship." - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 49, Chapter 4 and Title 49, Chapter 7.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee consolidates student aid governance by merging TSAC into the Higher Education Commission and renames a technical skills grant to TennesseeWORKS scholarship.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Government Operations Committee
#education #higher
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Bill Summary · SB 1312

Legislative bill overview

SB 1312 consolidates Tennessee's student financial aid governance by eliminating the separate Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) board and placing TSAC under the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. The bill also renames the "Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant" to the "TennesseeWORKS scholarship."

Why is this important

This consolidation affects how Tennessee administers student loans, grants, and financial aid programs. Streamlining governance could improve coordination between higher education policy and student aid distribution, though it reduces institutional independence and the dedicated oversight that a separate board previously provided.

Potential points of contention

  • Loss of specialized focus: Merging TSAC into a larger commission may dilute attention to student aid issues, which require distinct expertise and advocacy separate from broader higher education policy
  • Reduced board independence: Eliminating a dedicated governing board removes a layer of oversight specifically accountable to student aid recipients and may reduce transparency in financial aid decisions
  • Scope of consolidation: The bill's rationale for consolidation isn't detailed—stakeholders may question whether efficiency gains justify reduced institutional independence and representation

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

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