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SB 2477

Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) - As introduced, expands the category of students who are considered economically disadvantaged for purposes of generating a weighted allocation through the TISA funding formula to include students who are enrolled in the state's medicaid program. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ken Yager

Tennessee bill expands school funding formula to classify Medicaid-enrolled students as economically disadvantaged, directing more state dollars to schools serving these populations.

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Education Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 2477

Legislative bill overview

SB 2477 expands Tennessee's TISA funding formula to classify students enrolled in Medicaid as economically disadvantaged, allowing schools to receive higher weighted funding allocations for these students. This broadens the existing definition beyond current economically disadvantaged categories to include Medicaid-eligible pupils.

Why is this important

School funding in Tennessee is partially determined by student demographics, with economically disadvantaged students generating additional weighted dollars per pupil. This expansion would redirect more state education funding to schools serving higher concentrations of Medicaid-eligible students, potentially increasing resources for districts with greater poverty indicators.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding redistribution effects: Schools serving fewer Medicaid students may receive relatively less funding, creating winners and losers among districts
  • Medicaid enrollment volatility: Medicaid eligibility fluctuates with economic conditions and policy changes, creating unstable funding baselines for school budgeting
  • Definition overlap concerns: Questions about whether Medicaid enrollment adequately captures economic disadvantage or creates double-counting with existing poverty measures
  • Implementation complexity: Schools must verify Medicaid status and coordinate data with state health agencies, adding administrative burden

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

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