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HB 1733

Students - As introduced, creates a criminal offense for a school employee who intentionally engages in bullying or cyberbullying of a student; clarifies that a teacher or school employee of a local education agency who is found to have committed an act of harassment, intimidation, bullying, or cyberbullying is subject to dismissal or suspension. - Amends TCA Title 37; Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 3; Title 40; Title 49 and Title 55, Chapter 10, Part 7.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Debra Moody

Tennessee bill criminalizes school employee bullying of students and mandates dismissal/suspension as consequence for harassment, intimidation, or cyberbullying conduct.

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Bill Summary · HB 1733

Legislative bill overview

HB 1733 establishes a criminal offense for school employees who intentionally bully or cyberbully students, and clarifies that such conduct can result in dismissal or suspension. The bill amends multiple Tennessee code sections related to education, criminal law, and employment protections.

Why is this important

School employees hold positions of authority and trust with vulnerable populations. Criminalizing and clarifying disciplinary consequences for employee-perpetrated bullying provides legal recourse for students and families while establishing clearer accountability standards for school districts.

Potential points of contention

  • Criminal vs. administrative remedies: Critics may question whether criminal prosecution is appropriate for bullying conduct, or whether administrative discipline alone suffices; prosecutors may face challenges proving "intentional" conduct
  • Definition specificity: The bill references existing harassment/bullying definitions but may lack precise standards—what constitutes bullying versus harsh teaching methods or legitimate discipline remains potentially ambiguous
  • Due process concerns: School employees and unions may argue the bill inadequately protects workers' rights to fair hearings before dismissal, or that the criminal threshold is vague enough to criminalize borderline conduct

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

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