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HB 768

Local Education Agencies - As introduced, requires public charter schools to adopt an internet acceptable use policy in the same manner required for LEAs; prohibits LEAs and public charter schools from tracking or monitoring a person's use of a personal electronic device on school property, except for instances in which a student uses such device during a test. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Mary Littleton

Prohibits Tennessee schools from monitoring personal electronic devices on campus except during testing, requiring charter schools adopt matching internet policies as traditional public schools.

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Bill Summary · HB 768

Legislative bill overview

HB 768 requires public charter schools to adopt internet acceptable use policies matching those of traditional public school districts and prohibits both LEAs and charter schools from monitoring personal electronic devices on school property, with an exception only for devices used during testing. The bill amends Tennessee's education code to establish uniform device privacy standards across public school systems.

Why is this important

This addresses the growing tension between school security/oversight and student privacy rights in an increasingly digital learning environment. It clarifies what monitoring schools can and cannot conduct on personal devices, affecting policies at hundreds of Tennessee schools and impacting students, parents, and administrators who need clear guidelines.

Potential points of contention

  • Security vs. Privacy trade-off: Schools may argue monitoring is necessary to prevent cheating, cyberbullying, and access to inappropriate content; privacy advocates counter that personal devices warrant stronger privacy protections
  • Enforcement challenges: The "during a test" exception may be difficult to define and enforce consistently across districts—what constitutes a "test" in hybrid/online learning contexts?
  • Charter school parity: Requiring charter schools to match LEA policies may burden smaller charter operations with compliance costs while raising questions about whether uniform policies fit different school models

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

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