WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1973

Teachers, Principals and School Personnel - As introduced, adds former students to those students with which an educator is subject to licensure discipline for engaging in sexually related behavior; removes the optional penalty of licensure discipline for an educator who breaks a contract with a local board of education without a justifiable reason. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee bill expands educator sexual misconduct rules to former students and mandates penalties for unjustified contract breaches by school personnel.

Comp. SB subst.
#principalsandschoolpersonnel #teachers
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1973

Legislative bill overview

HB 1973 expands the definition of prohibited sexual conduct by school personnel to include sexual behavior with former students, not just current students. The bill also eliminates an optional penalty provision that previously allowed educators to avoid licensure discipline when breaking contracts without justifiable cause.

Why is this important

The first provision closes a potential legal loophole that could allow educators to engage in sexual relationships with former students without professional consequences. The second provision strengthens accountability by making contract violations carry mandatory rather than discretionary penalties, removing a path for educators to escape discipline.

Potential points of contention

  • Timing and statute of limitations: The bill doesn't specify how long after graduation the "former student" protection applies—whether it covers someone who graduated 20 years ago or only recently, which affects scope significantly
  • Defining "sexually related behavior": The bill references existing TCA definitions but the breadth of what constitutes prohibited conduct and whether context matters (e.g., consensual adult relationships) may need clarification
  • Mandatory contract-breaking penalties: Eliminating discretionary penalties removes flexibility for unusual circumstances where breaking a contract might be justified despite lack of "justifiable reason" in the statute's definition

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

Sign in to ask a question.