All Roll Calls
Yes: 136 • No: 0
TennesseeSB 1368114th General Assembly (2025-2026)SenateWALLET
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to higher education.
Sponsored By: Bo Watson (Republican)
Became Law
Tennessee Higher Education Commission
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
In-state college tuition hikes capped
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission reviews tuition and fees every year. It sets a yearly cap on increases for in‑state undergraduate tuition and fees. Public colleges cannot raise prices above that cap. Schools may still lower total tuition and fees. Colleges keep control over tuition for nonresident undergrads and all graduate students. Policy changes cannot harm school bond agreements, as judged by the board of regents.
Legislative review of college funding model
Before any change to the outcomes‑based funding formula takes effect, it must go to the state Senate and House education and budget committees for review and recommendation.
Career-focused credentials and guidance
A program counts as a credential only if it ends in an industry certification, registered apprenticeship, occupational license, or a certificate. Programs meant mainly for professional development, continuing education, or exam prep do not count. THEC designs and reviews statewide efforts to guide Tennesseans to affordable, workforce‑aligned training and credentials.
More open hiring for college leaders
Boards must hold a public meeting before a search to set the process, timeline, and job qualifications. Application records that could identify a candidate are confidential unless the candidate did not ask for confidentiality. Search committees must name at least three finalists and may recommend up to three. Records about finalists are public at least 15 calendar days before the final vote. At least seven days before the vote, the board holds a public forum with a candidate. The appointment vote happens in an open meeting. The rules cover presidents, chancellors, some directors, and THEC’s executive director.
Stronger oversight of campus growth and projects
THEC must approve plans to open new locations off the main campus, extend administrative sites, or offer for‑credit courses at other sites. THEC may let its executive director handle some approvals, under policies the commission sets. Each year, THEC submits a prioritized list of capital projects grouped by workforce, research, urgent needs, and renovations. The law deletes Tennessee Code § 49-7-214.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Bo Watson
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/27/2025
FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 3/27/2025
Yes: 95 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/24/2025
FLOOR VOTE: as Amended Third Consideration 3/24/2025
Yes: 32 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/12/2025
SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Yes: 9 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Pub. Ch. 186
4/30/2025Effective date(s) 04/11/2025
4/30/2025Signed by Governor.
4/11/2025SenateSigned by H. Speaker
4/2/2025HouseTransmitted to Governor for action.
4/2/2025SenateSigned by Senate Speaker
4/1/2025SenateEnrolled and ready for signatures
3/28/2025SenateRcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
3/27/2025HouseSubst. for comp. HB.
3/27/2025HouseAm. withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - HA0103)
3/27/2025HousePassed H., Ayes 95, Nays 0, PNV 0
3/27/2025HouseSenate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0121)
3/24/2025SenatePassed Senate as amended, Ayes 32, Nays 0
3/24/2025SenateEngrossed; ready for transmission to House
3/24/2025SenatePlaced on Senate Regular Calendar for 3/24/2025
3/21/2025SenateRecommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 9, Nays 0 PNV 0
3/12/2025SenatePlaced on Senate Education Committee calendar for 3/12/2025
3/5/2025SenatePassed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Education Committee
2/12/2025SenateIntroduced, Passed on First Consideration
2/10/2025SenateFiled for introduction
2/6/2025Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled / Public Chapter
Fiscal Note
HA0103
Introduced
SA0121
Related Bills
SB 1612 — AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 8, relative to state employees.
HB 1709 — AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 7; Title 20; Title 23; Title 33; Title 37; Title 39; Title 42; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 46; Title 47; Title 49; Title 52; Title 53; Title 55; Title 56; Title 57; Title 59; Title 60; Title 62; Title 63; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69; Title 70; Title 71 and Chapter 463 of the Public Acts of 2025, relative to the regulation of professions.
HB 1673 — AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7, Chapter 34; Title 7, Chapter 82; Title 9, Chapter 21 and Title 68, Chapter 221, relative to utility regulation.
HB 2532 — AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to education.
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