State Government - As introduced, enacts the "Safe Access to Schools and Child Services Act," which prohibits the following entities from conditioning enrollment, attendance, or receipt of services for a child under 18 on the disclosure of the child's immigration status, except as explicitly required by federal or state law or court order: a county, municipality, or branch or agency thereof; public utility, utility district, entity created pursuant to any interlocal agreement, or any other political subdivision thereof; LEA, public school, or public charter school; and state board, commission, committee, department, office, or other unit of state government; clarifies that the prohibition does not limit compliance with federal immigration law or limit cooperation with federal authorities as required by law. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 33; Title 37; Title 49; Title 68 and Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jeff Yarbro

Bars Tennessee schools and government agencies from requiring immigration status disclosure for child enrollment or services, except when federal/state law explicitly mandates it.

Placed on Senate State and Local Government Committee calendar for 3/17/2026

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Legislative bill overview

SB 2491 prohibits schools, government agencies, utilities, and other public entities in Tennessee from asking children under 18 to disclose their immigration status as a condition of enrollment, attendance, or services. The bill explicitly preserves entities' ability to comply with federal immigration law and cooperate with federal authorities when legally required.

Why is this important

Access to public education and basic services for minors hinges on this policy. Children in mixed-status families may currently avoid school or services out of fear, affecting educational outcomes and public health. This bill attempts to create a safe harbor for enrollment while maintaining legal compliance frameworks.

Potential points of contention

Scope of federal/state law exception: The bill allows disclosure when "explicitly required by federal or state law," but disputes may arise over what constitutes explicit requirement versus agency guidance or interpretation

Practical enforcement: Schools and agencies may struggle to distinguish between prohibited questions and lawful inquiries; unclear whether bill addresses indirect methods of determining status

Sanctuary policy framing: Supporters view this as child welfare; opponents may characterize it as limiting law enforcement cooperation or creating implicit sanctuary protections beyond stated intent

Definitional ambiguity: "Receipt of services" spans health, utilities, and other areas—implementation across multiple agencies could be inconsistent without clarifying regulations