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Bill

SB 1975

School Vouchers - As introduced, allows a child with a medical condition that inhibits the child from attending school in person to receive an individualized education account to enroll in a home school program. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Raumesh Akbari

SB 1975 allows medically homebound Tennessee students to receive education funding accounts for home school enrollment instead of traditional in-person public school attendance.

Sponsor(s) Added.
#schoolvouchers
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1975

Legislative bill overview

SB 1975 creates individualized education accounts (IEAs) for children with medical conditions that prevent in-person school attendance, allowing them to enroll in home school programs using public education funds. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 49 to establish this mechanism. This represents a narrowly-tailored voucher program limited to a specific student population rather than a universal school choice approach.

Why is this important

Students with serious medical conditions currently may have limited educational options if they cannot safely attend traditional schools. This bill could expand access to educational resources for medically fragile children whose families cannot afford private home schooling alternatives. The policy also reflects broader national debates about education funding flexibility and parental choice in K-12 education.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and documentation of qualifying conditions: The bill's effectiveness depends on clear criteria for what medical conditions "inhibit" in-person attendance and how thoroughly these must be verified, potentially creating disputes over eligibility
  • Funding mechanism and amount: The bill does not specify how much money flows into each account or whether it equals per-pupil public school spending, raising equity questions about whether families receive adequate resources
  • Accountability and curriculum standards: Home school programs using public funds may face minimal oversight compared to traditional public schools, creating questions about educational quality, transparency, and compliance with state standards

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

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