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SB 2193

Labor and Workforce Development, Dept. of - As introduced, requires the governor to approve all eligible workforce training programs for the purposes of federal workforce Pell grants and coordinate approval of eligible workforce training programs with other state and federal workforce programs to avoid duplicative payments for the same student costs that are covered by federal workforce Pell grants. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 14.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Brent Taylor

The governor, with the State Workforce Development Board, would approve all Tennessee workforce programs eligible for federal Workforce Pell Grants and coordinate to avoid duplicat

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/20/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 2193

Summary of Bill SB 2193 / HB 2617 (Tennessee, 114th General Assembly)

Title

Labor and Workforce Development, Department of – As introduced, requires the governor to approve all eligible workforce training programs for the purposes of federal Workforce Pell Grants and coordinate approval of eligible programs with other state and federal workforce programs to avoid duplicative payments for the same student costs covered by Pell Grants. Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 14.

Purpose and Intent

  • To centralize and standardize the approval of workforce training programs that are eligible to receive federal Workforce Pell Grants.
  • To ensure coordination with other state and federal workforce funding programs to prevent duplicate payments for the same student costs that Pell Grants cover.

Key Provisions

  1. Definition

    • “Eligible workforce training programs” are those meeting applicable requirements in Section 83002 of Pub. L. No. 119-21 (federal law).

  2. Governor’s Authority and Responsibilities (4-3-1416(a)-(b))

    • The governor, in consultation with the State Workforce Development Board, shall:
      • (1) Approve all eligible workforce training programs for federal Workforce Pell Grants.
      • (2) Coordinate approvals with other state and federal workforce programs to avoid duplicative payments for the same student costs covered by Pell Grants.

  3. Board Procedures (4-3-1416(c))

    • The State Workforce Development Board must establish internal procedures to verify that a program meets the applicable federal requirements to be an eligible workforce training program.

  4. Limitation on Rulemaking (4-3-1416(d))

    • State departments, agencies, or boards do not have authority to promulgate a rule to implement this section (i.e., rulemaking authority is constrained and assignment of implementation to the governor/board).

  5. Effective Date (Section 3)

    • The act takes effect upon becoming law, with a finding that the public welfare requires it.

Fiscal and Administrative Impact

  • State Government Expenditures (General Fund)

    • FY 2026-27: $105,200
    • FY 2027-28 and subsequent: $102,600
    • Includes one additional position (Education Consultant 2) and related costs.
    • One-time cost: $2,608 for equipment (computer, phone, etc.).
    • Recurring costs: $14,452 for travel, workspace, internet, materials, etc.
    • Total estimated increase: $105,201 in FY 2026-27 and $102,593 in FY 2027-28 onward.

  • Position and Resources

    • Includes one additional Education Consultant 2 (salary and benefits).
    • The fiscal note indicates use of existing staff where feasible; however, it also anticipates increased administration and coordination workload.

  • Impact on Public Higher Education

    • The bill could influence grants and funding administration in public institutions by coordinating Pell-related program approvals and reducing duplicative costs. Specific revenue/expenditure effects on institutions are not precisely estimable due to uncertainties in Pell grant timing and amounts.

  • Impact to Private/For-Profit Institutions

    • Pell Grants under federal rules already allow these programs to be eligible at private and for-profit institutions, but the timing and extent of grants are unpredictable, so precise impacts are not determinable.

Who Is Affected

  • Tennessee executive branch, specifically:
    • Governor (final approval role for eligible workforce training programs)
    • State Workforce Development Board (consultation and procedure development)
    • Department of Labor and Workforce Development (potential addition of staffing)
    • Public institutions of higher education (administrative processes related to Pell Grants and program approvals)
    • Private and for-profit institutions participating in Pell Grant programs (subject to federally defined eligibility)

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • The bill establishes a new section (4-3-1416) and includes an implementation framework but does not specify a detailed regulatory rulemaking process for other agencies (explicitly states agencies do not have authority to promulgate rules to implement this section).
  • Effective date is upon becoming law.
  • The fiscal impact is outlined in the committee fiscal note with initial costs in FY 2026-27 and ongoing costs thereafter.

Summary in Plain Language

SB 2193 / HB 2617 would place the governor, in partnership with the State Workforce Development Board, in charge of approving every Tennessee workforce training program that is eligible to receive federal Workforce Pell Grants. The bill would require coordination with other state and federal programs to avoid paying the same student costs more than once. The Board would set procedures to ensure programs meet federal requirements. The legislation would add at least one new staff position and related costs, with modest annual ongoing expenditures starting in FY 2026-27.

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

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