WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2365

School Vouchers - As introduced, expands eligibility for an education freedom scholarship to students who are enrolled in an out-of-district public school. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by David Hawk

Expands Tennessee education scholarships to out-of-district public school students, increasing program eligibility and potential costs.

Placed on s/c cal K-12 Subcommittee for 3/24/2026
#schoolvouchers
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2365

Legislative bill overview

HB 2365 expands Tennessee's education freedom scholarship program to include students currently enrolled in out-of-district public schools, in addition to existing eligibility categories. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 49 (Education) to broaden access to these tax-credit-funded scholarships that can be used for private school tuition and related expenses.

Why is this important

This expansion could significantly increase scholarship demand and costs, as it adds a new student population to the program. It reflects ongoing debate about school choice policy and may affect funding dynamics between public school systems, particularly districts losing out-of-district students and the scholarships that follow them.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Expanding eligibility increases program costs; unclear whether current funding levels can accommodate additional scholarship recipients without budget increases
  • Public school funding effects: Out-of-district students leaving public schools could reduce revenue for some districts while potentially relieving capacity pressures in others
  • Equity concerns: Critics may argue scholarships primarily benefit families with knowledge of alternative schooling options and ability to navigate transfers, potentially widening educational disparities

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

Sign in to ask a question.