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TennesseeSB 2079114th General Assembly (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 14; Title 49, Chapter 7; Title 49, Chapter 8 and Title 49, Chapter 9, relative to higher education.

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Education, Higher

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

College boards must plan for tuition relief

Tennessee's public college boards must adopt and implement policies for revenue from out-of-state undergraduate tuition and fees by July 1, 2026. This covers the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees, the Tennessee Board of Regents, and each state university board. Their policies must describe how that money may help reduce in-state undergraduate tuition and fee costs. The requirement applies to the 2026–2027 academic year and each year afterward. The law does not require boards to lower students' charges.

Public colleges get on-time graduation goals

Beginning July 1, 2026, Tennessee sets on-time graduation goals for each state higher education institution, starting with the 2026–2027 academic year. For a first degree in a standard program, on-time completion means four academic years at public universities or two at community colleges. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission must set goals using inputs from the state's college funding formula. It must publish the goals at least every five years. These goals do not guarantee faster graduation or lower student costs.

Public colleges can get different tuition limits

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission can approve separate tuition and fee increase limits for public colleges. This applies starting with the 2026–2027 academic year and continues afterward. A college's circumstances or needs must justify a separate limit. Its on-time graduation rate must also show positive growth measured using a three-year rolling average. The limit can differ from the statewide policy, but the law does not require colleges to raise their charges.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

  • Paul Bailey

    Republican • Senate

  • Janice Bowling

    Republican • Senate

  • Mark Pody

    Republican • Senate

  • Jessie Seal

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 129 • No: 11

House vote • 4/6/2026

FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/6/2026

Yes: 86 • No: 8

Senate vote • 3/30/2026

FLOOR VOTE: as Amended Third Consideration 3/30/2026

Yes: 28 • No: 3

Senate vote • 3/18/2026

SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/18/2026

SENATE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS COMMITTEE

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date(s) 04/23/2026, 07/01/2026

    5/1/2026

  2. Pub. Ch. 799

    5/1/2026

  3. Signed by Governor.

    4/23/2026Senate

  4. Transmitted to Governor for action.

    4/15/2026Senate

  5. Signed by H. Speaker

    4/14/2026House

  6. Signed by Senate Speaker

    4/9/2026Senate

  7. Enrolled and ready for signatures

    4/8/2026Senate

  8. Passed H., Ayes 86, Nays 8, PNV 0

    4/6/2026House

  9. Am. withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - HA0906)

    4/6/2026House

  10. Subst. for comp. HB.

    4/6/2026House

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

    4/2/2026House

  12. Engrossed; ready for transmission to House

    3/30/2026Senate

  13. Sponsor(s) Added.

    3/30/2026Senate

  14. Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 28, Nays 3

    3/30/2026Senate

  15. Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0490)

    3/30/2026Senate

  16. Placed on Senate Regular Calendar for 3/30/2026

    3/27/2026Senate

  17. Sponsor(s) Added.

    3/18/2026Senate

  18. Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee

    3/18/2026Senate

  19. Placed on Senate Education Committee calendar for 3/18/2026

    3/12/2026Senate

  20. Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Education Committee Ayes 7, Nays 0 PNV 2

    2/18/2026Senate

  21. Placed on Senate Government Operations Committee calendar for 2/18/2026

    2/11/2026Senate

  22. Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Government Operations Committee

    2/5/2026Senate

  23. Introduced, Passed on First Consideration

    2/2/2026Senate

  24. Filed for introduction

    1/22/2026Senate

Bill Text

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