All Roll Calls
Yes: 125 • No: 6
TennesseeSB 2141114th General Assembly (2025-2026)SenateWALLET
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 43, Chapter 6, Part 5 and Title 49, relative to higher education.
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
Education, Higher
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
11 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 4 costs, 2 mixed.
College scholarship recipients face time limits
Beginning July 1, 2026, Tennessee HOPE scholarships end at the first applicable degree or five-year limit. The five years start with initial enrollment at any college. A bachelor's degree ends eligibility unless the student stays continuously enrolled toward an advanced degree; earning that degree ends eligibility. Full-time and part-time recipients must stay continuously enrolled at an eligible college, except during approved medical or personal leave. The duration rule excludes programs listed in Tennessee Code §§ 49-4-919, 49-4-930, 49-4-931, 49-4-933, and 49-4-937.
Tennessee student aid has eligibility limits
Beginning July 1, 2026, Tennessee residents can qualify for need-based student assistance through the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation. Applicants must apply and have a valid FAFSA Student Aid Index within the limit set by the state's higher education executive director. Full-time and part-time students qualify in eligible certificate, diploma, associate degree, or bachelor's degree programs at eligible institutions. Financial need below $100 makes a student ineligible, and U.S. citizens receive priority. Certain institutions qualify through awards received by their students in the academic year beginning July 1, 2025, if they remain federally recognized-accredited.
College transfer students get clearer credit paths
Effective upon enactment, public colleges must build transfer pathways for at least the 50 highest-demand undergraduate majors where feasible. Each pathway has 60 transferable hours: a 41-hour general education block and 19 pre-major or major-counting elective hours. Qualifying non-technical associate degree graduates transfer as juniors with general education and university-parallel core requirements met; selective majors remain competitive. Technical transfer pathways have similar transfer requirements. Colleges must provide clear course lists, including non-transferable courses, common course numbering, and dual admission for students meeting both colleges' admission requirements. Pathways need review at least every five years, annual reports on transfer progress, and commission approval to exceed prescribed hours. Beginning July 1, 2026, public and private nonprofit colleges can apply for a transfer-focused designation by committing to credit recognition, fewer transfer barriers, and student support.
Foster students face grant time limits
Beginning July 1, 2026, the HOPE foster child tuition grant lasts up to six years after eligible college admission. Students must achieve and maintain satisfactory progress. Eligibility ends sooner after an advanced degree. A bachelor's degree also ends eligibility unless the student stays continuously enrolled toward an advanced degree.
Students face aid renewal and honesty rules
Beginning July 1, 2026, students must reapply to renew Tennessee student assistance awards. The corporation must verify satisfactory completion of the previous academic year's work, continued Tennessee residency, and continued financial need. It may revoke an award when it has evidence that the student gave false application information. Revocation ends all remaining payments or benefits under that award.
Colleges receive students' aid payments first
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation pays student assistance awards directly to eligible colleges. Colleges first cover educational expenses owed to them, then give students any remainder, up to the cost of attendance. Payments arrive in roughly equal installments after each academic term starts. Colleges must certify enrollment in an eligible program. The corporation must also confirm the college meets state financial aid requirements, including requirements from compliance reviews.
Greenbrier Valley gets black fly control
Beginning July 1, 2026, the University of Tennessee administers a two-year black fly suppression program. It covers the Greenbrier Valley and areas adjacent to the Pigeon River. The program uses a biological control agent under Department of Agriculture supervision. The university must study its biological effects and effects on the region's people and economy.
Approved apprenticeship education gets a regulatory exemption
Beginning July 1, 2026, qualifying apprenticeship education is exempt from the specified state postsecondary education rule. The education must serve an apprentice in a registered program approved by Tennessee's Department of Labor and Workforce Development. An associated sponsor or employer must offer it, or have it offered on their behalf. Education for people who are not apprentices is not covered.
Public gets access to college oversight
Effective upon enactment, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission must stream meetings online and post archived videos publicly. Private meetings are limited to personnel or contract matters, with no action taken in private. The commission must study scholarship and grant results, including student success and retention, and report annually to legislative education committees. It must promptly publish its annual fact book online and in print after receiving the needed data.
Covered students must stay in their programs
Beginning July 1, 2026, students covered by Tennessee Code § 49-4-943 must stay continuously enrolled in their eligible program. Their college defines that program. This separate requirement does not state an exception.
Noncompliant colleges face financial aid suspension
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation sets rules for colleges' participation in state financial aid programs. Its rulemaking follows the state's administrative procedures law. The rules must set criteria for restricting or suspending colleges that fail legal or regulatory requirements. This strengthens compliance enforcement but can limit aid access at affected colleges.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
Ferrell Haile
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/16/2026
FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2026
Yes: 84 • No: 6
Senate vote • 3/2/2026
FLOOR VOTE: as Amended Third Consideration 3/2/2026
Yes: 32 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/25/2026
SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Yes: 9 • No: 0
Bill Text
Enrolled / Public Chapter
Fiscal Note
HA0911
Introduced
SA0544
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