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SB 1643

School Vouchers - As introduced, requires the department of education to submit an annual report to the general assembly on information about the education freedom scholarship program. - Amends TCA Title 49.

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

Tennessee legislation mandates annual Department of Education reports to the General Assembly on the Education Freedom Scholarship Program's operations and outcomes.

Action deferred in Senate Education Committee to 3/18/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 1643

Legislative bill overview

SB 1643 requires Tennessee's Department of Education to submit annual reports to the General Assembly detailing program information about the Education Freedom Scholarship Program. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 49, which governs education law. This is a reporting and accountability measure focused on an existing voucher program rather than creating new policy.

Why is this important

School voucher programs involve public funding directed to private school tuition, making transparency and performance tracking important for legislative oversight and budget accountability. Annual reporting requirements allow lawmakers to assess program outcomes, participation rates, costs, and effectiveness before considering expansion or modification. This affects how taxpayer education dollars are allocated and distributed.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of reporting: Disagreement may arise over what specific data points must be included (cost per student, demographic information, private school performance metrics, etc.) and whether current reporting is adequate
  • Program philosophy: Supporters view this as necessary oversight of school choice initiatives, while opponents may see vouchers themselves as problematic regardless of reporting requirements
  • Implementation burden: Questions about administrative costs of compiling comprehensive annual reports and whether resources would be better spent directly on education

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

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