TennesseeSB 2055114th General Assembly (2025-2026)Senate

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to student services.

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Local Education Agencies

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Parents can bring behavior therapy to school

If your child has autism or developmental delays, you can hire a private provider to give applied behavior analysis (ABA) at school. The school must allow access during the day if it fits the child’s placement. These private services add to, not replace, the IEP. Schools must give reasonable access and help, like classroom entry and coordination. Schools cannot charge fees, block access, discriminate, or retaliate. Schools do not have to pay for private services or build special facilities. Beginning with the 2026–27 school year.

Consent, school team coordination, and supervision

Before services start, the parent must give written notice and consent to the school. The consent includes a waiver so the school is not liable for the provider’s acts; the school is still liable for its own negligence or law violations. The provider must coordinate with the IEP team and school staff and sign a memorandum of understanding with the school. A licensed behavior analyst paid by the parent must supervise the work, including any assistants or technicians, using national standards. Beginning with the 2026–27 school year.

Provider checks and statewide guidance

Private providers must pass the state background check, show licensure, and carry insurance that names the school as an additional insured. They must follow student privacy rules. Each district and charter school must adopt a local policy covering IEP-team communication, expectations, stopping services for cause, campus interactions, and a local appeal. The state will publish guidance and model agreements to help schools and providers follow the law. Beginning with the 2026–27 school year.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Heidi Campbell
Democrat • Senate
Adam Lowe
Republican • Senate
Becky D. Massey
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 199 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/23/2026

FLOOR VOTE: Motion to Concur House Amendment # 1 4/23/2026

Yes: 29 • No: 0

House vote • 4/22/2026

FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/22/2026

Yes: 86 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

FLOOR VOTE: as Amended Third Consideration 3/12/2026

Yes: 33 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

FLOOR VOTE: as Amended Third Consideration 3/12/2026

Yes: 33 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/4/2026

SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Yes: 9 • No: 0