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SB 840

Lottery, Scholarships and Programs - As introduced, creates two special accounts in the state treasury, the K-12 lottery capital outlay special account and the early learning program account, for excess lottery funds; requires the comptroller of the treasury to develop and administer a program to provide grants from such accounts to local education agencies to be used for capital outlay projects for K-12 educational facilities and for new or existing pre-K programs. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 51; Title 8, Chapter 4; Title 9 and Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Page Walley

Directs excess Tennessee lottery revenue into dedicated accounts to fund K-12 school facility improvements and pre-K programs through comptroller-administered grants to local education agencies.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Education Committee
#lottery #scholarshipsandprograms
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Bill Summary · SB 840

Legislative bill overview

SB 840 establishes two dedicated accounts in Tennessee's state treasury to receive excess lottery funds: one for K-12 school facility capital improvements and another for pre-K programs. The comptroller would administer a grant program distributing these funds to local education agencies for infrastructure projects and early learning initiatives.

Why is this important

This bill attempts to direct lottery revenue—often subject to competing budget demands—into a dedicated education funding stream. It could provide more predictable capital funding for aging school buildings and expand pre-K access, though the actual impact depends on how much "excess" lottery revenue remains after existing appropriations.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of "excess" funds: The bill doesn't clarify how excess lottery revenue is calculated or what happens if lottery revenue declines, potentially creating uncertainty about available funding
  • Local agency equity: Without specified distribution formulas, wealthier districts may compete more successfully for grants, potentially widening existing funding disparities
  • Dual-purpose accounts: Splitting lottery funds between K-12 facilities and pre-K programs means less goes to each; stakeholders may dispute the appropriate allocation ratio
  • Existing lottery commitments: Tennessee likely has existing lottery fund obligations; unclear whether this bill adequately protects those while creating new accounts

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

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