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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.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bo Watson

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 136 • No: 0

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

  1. Pub. Ch. 186

    4/30/2025

  2. Effective date(s) 04/11/2025

    4/30/2025

  3. Signed by Governor.

    4/11/2025Senate

  4. Signed by H. Speaker

    4/2/2025House

  5. Transmitted to Governor for action.

    4/2/2025Senate

  6. Signed by Senate Speaker

    4/1/2025Senate

  7. Enrolled and ready for signatures

    3/28/2025Senate

  8. Rcvd. from S., held on H. desk.

    3/27/2025House

  9. Subst. for comp. HB.

    3/27/2025House

  10. Am. withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - HA0103)

    3/27/2025House

  11. Passed H., Ayes 95, Nays 0, PNV 0

    3/27/2025House

  12. Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0121)

    3/24/2025Senate

  13. Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 32, Nays 0

    3/24/2025Senate

  14. Engrossed; ready for transmission to House

    3/24/2025Senate

  15. Placed on Senate Regular Calendar for 3/24/2025

    3/21/2025Senate

  16. Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 9, Nays 0 PNV 0

    3/12/2025Senate

  17. Placed on Senate Education Committee calendar for 3/12/2025

    3/5/2025Senate

  18. Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Education Committee

    2/12/2025Senate

  19. Introduced, Passed on First Consideration

    2/10/2025Senate

  20. Filed for introduction

    2/6/2025Senate

Bill Text

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