WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1740

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 Ronnie Glynn

Creates education savings accounts for medically homebound children to attend home school programs using public education funding in Tennessee.

Rec for pass if am by s/c ref. to Education Committee
#schoolvouchers
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1740

Legislative bill overview

HB 1740 establishes 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, which governs education policy. This represents a targeted voucher program limited to medically exempt students rather than a broad school choice expansion.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects families with children facing serious health conditions by potentially providing financial access to alternative education options when traditional public schooling is unavailable. It also signals Tennessee's approach to balancing public education funding with individual medical circumstances, and could establish precedent for how IEAs are implemented in the state. The policy touches on both education equity and public fund allocation.

Potential points of contention

  • Medical qualification criteria: The bill's language regarding what constitutes a medical condition "inhibiting" in-person attendance is undefined, potentially creating disputes over eligibility and requiring administrative guidance or litigation to clarify.
  • Public fund allocation: Directing education funding to home school programs raises questions about whether this diverts resources from public schools serving broader student populations and whether home programs meet equivalent educational standards.
  • Oversight and accountability: Home school programs typically face fewer regulatory requirements than public schools, creating potential concerns about curriculum quality, teacher qualifications, and educational outcomes tracking for publicly funded students.

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

Sign in to ask a question.