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SB 1714

Public Employees - As introduced, enacts the "Protecting Religious Liberty and Expression in Public Schools Act." - Amends TCA Title 8; Title 16; Title 20 and Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Joey Hensley

Tennessee bill expanding religious liberty protections in public schools across employment and education law, advancing religious expression in government-funded institutions.

Re-refer to S. Cal Comm
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Bill Summary · SB 1714

Legislative bill overview

SB 1714 proposes amendments to Tennessee law titled the "Protecting Religious Liberty and Expression in Public Schools Act," modifying statutes across education, employment, and public employee regulations. The bill's specific provisions are not detailed in the provided information, though the title suggests it would expand protections for religious expression and practice within public school settings.

Why is this important

Public school religious expression policies directly affect students, educators, and families, as they determine what religious activities and speech are permissible in educational environments. These policies intersect constitutional concerns (First Amendment), educational mission, workplace dynamics, and community values, making them subjects of significant legal and political debate.

Potential points of contention

  • Establishment Clause concerns: Expansions of religious expression in public schools may face legal challenges regarding government neutrality toward religion and potential preference for certain religious practices
  • Student/employee rights balance: Defining whose religious liberty takes priority when student religious expression, teacher religious expression, and secular educational interests conflict
  • Implementation clarity: Amendments spanning four Tennessee code titles suggest broad changes whose cumulative effect on school operations, curriculum, and employment practices may be unclear without seeing specific language

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

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