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SB 1044

Local Education Agencies - As introduced, requires a parent or guardian who wishes to enroll the parent's or guardian's student into an LEA or public charter school to submit one of the listed documents to the LEA or public charter school upon enrollment of the student unless the parent or guardian pays an amount equal to the amount representing the per pupil state and local funds generated and required through the Tennessee investment in student achievement formula for the LEA in which the participating student resides. - Amends TCA Title 49.

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

Bill requires school enrollment documentation or payment of annual per-pupil funding; failed committee, raising equity and constitutional concerns.

Failed in Senate Education Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 1044

Legislative bill overview

SB 1044 would require parents enrolling students in Tennessee public schools or charter schools to submit specific documentation, or alternatively pay an amount equal to the per-pupil state and local education funding for their student's home district. The bill amends Tennessee's education code and failed to advance from the Senate Education Committee in March 2025.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects school enrollment procedures and could create financial barriers to public school access. The payment alternative—which could exceed $10,000 per student annually depending on district funding levels—would effectively price some families out of their local public schools, raising significant questions about equitable access to publicly-funded education.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutionality concerns: May conflict with Tennessee's constitutional guarantee of free public education; courts have previously struck down similar enrollment barriers
  • Financial impact on low-income families: The per-pupil payment alternative could be prohibitively expensive for working families, creating a de facto two-tier education system
  • Documentation requirements unclear: The bill references "listed documents" without specifying which ones, raising questions about what constitutes acceptable enrollment verification
  • Charter school implications: Could affect interdistrict student transfers and charter school enrollment, potentially exacerbating existing segregation patterns
  • Implementation complexity: Schools would need to track and collect substantial per-pupil payments, creating administrative and accounting complications

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

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