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HB 861

Local Education Agencies - As enacted, requires LEAs to notify parents or guardians of a student at least 10 days before the student's individualized education program (IEP) meeting; requires LEAs to provide a copy of all evaluations and assessments of a student conducted for purposes of the student's IEP and, if created, a copy of a student's draft IEP, unless previously declined, to the student's parent or guardian at least 48 hours prior to a scheduled IEP team meeting. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 10 and Title 49, Chapter 6.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jake McCalmon

Tennessee requires school districts to notify parents 10 days before IEP meetings and provide evaluations/draft IEPs 48 hours prior, strengthening parental participation in special education decisions.

Pub. Ch. 199
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Bill Summary · HB 861

Legislative bill overview

HB 861 strengthens parental involvement in special education by requiring Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to provide 10 days' advance notice before IEP meetings and furnish parents with all evaluations, assessments, and draft IEPs at least 48 hours before scheduled meetings. The bill amends Tennessee's education code to standardize these notification and documentation requirements across the state.

Why is this important

Parents of students with disabilities often report feeling unprepared or blindsided during IEP meetings, which can undermine meaningful participation in educational decisions. These notice and disclosure requirements aim to ensure parents have adequate time to review materials, ask questions, and advocate effectively for their child's needs—a foundational principle of special education law.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: LEAs must manage increased administrative workload for document preparation and delivery, potentially straining already-stretched special education departments
  • Timeline feasibility: Meeting the 48-hour documentation deadline may be challenging in rural areas or with complex evaluations, and holidays/weekends could create practical complications
  • Existing compliance gaps: LEAs already have federal IDEA obligations for parent notification; this state bill may duplicate requirements or create confusion about which standard applies if conflicts arise

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

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