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HB 619

Local Education Agencies - As introduced, requires LEAs to provide a copy of a student's education records, upon request, and a copy of a student's draft individualized education program, unless previously declined, to the student's parent or guardian prior to a scheduled IEP team meeting. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 10 and Title 49, Chapter 6, Part 1.

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

Requires Tennessee schools to provide parents complete student education records and draft IEPs before special education meetings, improving parent preparation and participation in educational planning.

P2C, ref. to Education Committee
#localeducationagencies
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Bill Summary · HB 619

Legislative bill overview

HB 619 requires Tennessee Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to automatically provide parents or guardians with copies of their student's complete education records and draft Individualized Education Program (IEP) documents before scheduled IEP team meetings, unless the parent has previously declined such materials. The bill amends state education statutes governing special education procedures and student record access.

Why is this important

IEP meetings are critical decision-making events where parents advocate for their child's special education services. Providing advance access to complete records and draft IEPs gives parents time to review, prepare questions, and make informed contributions during these meetings, rather than seeing materials for the first time during the meeting itself. This directly affects the quality of special education planning for students with disabilities.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden and costs: Schools would need to systematize document preparation and distribution before every IEP meeting, potentially requiring staff time and resources, particularly for districts serving large numbers of special education students
  • Timeline feasibility: Determining how far "prior" to meetings documents must be provided and whether schools have sufficient time to compile complete education records, especially for students with lengthy histories
  • Privacy and security concerns: Increased distribution of sensitive special education records and IEP drafts creates more opportunities for unauthorized access or breaches of confidential student information

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

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