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HB 9

Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) - As introduced, revises the weighted allocations generated by a student for purposes of the TISA based on the number of student members of the LEA in which the student resides; establishes a $50 direct allocation for each student member of each LEA to assist each LEA with maintenance and infrastructure. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 3.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Michael Hale

HB 9 adjusts Tennessee school funding formulas by modifying student-weighted allocations and adding $50 per-student for LEA maintenance and infrastructure, but failed subcommittee review.

Failed in s/c K-12 Subcommittee of Education Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 9

Legislative bill overview

HB 9 proposes modifying Tennessee's school funding formula (TISA) by adjusting how student-weighted allocations are calculated based on local education agency (LEA) size and adding a $50 per-student direct allocation for maintenance and infrastructure costs. The bill failed in the K-12 Subcommittee on March 25, 2025.

Why is this important

School funding formulas directly determine how resources are distributed across districts, affecting classroom resources, teacher pay, and facility conditions. Changes to weighted allocations can significantly shift funding between larger and smaller districts, creating winners and losers in the funding redistribution.

Potential points of contention

  • District size impact: Adjusting allocations based on LEA size could reduce funding for either rural smaller districts or urban larger districts depending on the formula's direction—the bill text doesn't specify the exact adjustment mechanism
  • Infrastructure funding adequacy: A $50 per-student allocation ($50,000 for a 1,000-student district) may be insufficient for meaningful maintenance improvements, raising questions about whether it addresses real facility needs
  • Fiscal neutrality unclear: The bill doesn't specify whether these changes are budget-neutral or require new state spending, making cost implications uncertain

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

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