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SB 946

Local Education Agencies - As enacted, requires an LEA that receives credible information regarding a threat of violence or significantly disruptive behavior directed toward, or occurring on the grounds of, a public school in the LEA, and that reports the threat or disruptive behavior to a state or local law enforcement agency, to notify the parents and guardians of students enrolled in the public school of the same threat or disruptive behavior within 48 hours of the LEA making its report to law enforcement. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee requires schools reporting threats or disruptive behavior to law enforcement to notify parents within 48 hours, enhancing school safety transparency.

Pub. Ch. 215
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Bill Summary · SB 946

Legislative bill overview

SB 946 requires Tennessee local education agencies (school districts) that report threats of violence or significantly disruptive behavior to law enforcement to notify parents and guardians of affected students within 48 hours of making that report. The bill amends Tennessee's education code and became effective April 15, 2025.

Why is this important

School safety transparency directly affects parents' ability to make informed decisions about their children's safety and well-being. Timely notification allows families to discuss incidents with their children, monitor for trauma, and coordinate with schools on support needs. This law creates a mandatory communication standard that standardizes parent notification practices across all Tennessee school districts.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: "Credible information" and "significantly disruptive behavior" lack precise legal definitions, potentially creating inconsistent application across districts and disputes over what triggers notification obligations
  • 48-hour timeline feasibility: Schools may struggle to identify and contact all affected parents within 48 hours, particularly for incidents occurring late Friday or during holidays, raising compliance questions
  • Over-notification concerns: Broad notification requirements could result in excessive alerts for minor incidents, potentially desensitizing families to genuine threats or causing unnecessary alarm and anxiety in school communities

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

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