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SB 184

Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) - As introduced, increases, from $200 to $500, the amount each LEA and public charter school is required to pay each teacher in kindergarten through grade 12 for the purchase of instructional supplies. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 3.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Heidi Campbell

Tennessee requires schools to increase annual teacher supply allowances from $200 to $500 per educator, adding significant district costs but reducing teacher out-of-pocket expenses.

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/20/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 184

Legislative bill overview

SB 184 requires Tennessee school districts and public charter schools to increase their mandatory annual teacher supply allowance from $200 to $500 per teacher for kindergarten through grade 12. This means schools must provide an additional $300 per teacher per year specifically designated for instructional supplies.

Why is this important

Teachers frequently spend their own money on classroom materials, and this increase directly addresses out-of-pocket expenses that reduce personal income. For a school district with 500 teachers, this represents a $150,000 annual budget commitment that could meaningfully reduce teacher reliance on personal funding for essential classroom materials.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact on districts: School budgets are tight; this unfunded or partially-funded mandate requires LEAs to reallocate existing funds or increase overall spending, potentially affecting other budget priorities
  • Adequacy of amount: While $500 is 2.5 times the previous amount, classroom teachers in some subjects (STEM, special education, arts) argue this remains insufficient for actual instructional needs
  • Implementation burden: Schools must track and verify that funds are actually spent on supplies rather than other purposes, requiring administrative oversight and documentation

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

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