Representative Tim Hicks introduced SB2405/HB2152 to the House Higher Education Subcommittee this week.  The bill will make significant modifications to several lottery funded scholarship programs. In total, the bill requests a $88.6 million improvement to the programs.  The bulk of the improvement will fund Governor Lee’s proposed change of the base Hope Scholarship program for university students.  The additional funds will move the base Hope Scholarship from $3,500 for freshmen and sophomore status and $4,500 for Junior through senior status to a uniform $5,100 per year. The improvement will also fund lowering the age requirement to qualify for Reconnect from 25 years of age to 23 years and will expand funding for dual enrollment.

The measure will also provide a $14.5 million improvement to expand TN Promise advising and career coaching.  Too, the improvement will end the Completion Grant pilot and make it a statewide practice.  The grant provides funds to TN Promise students who need assistance with such issues as transportation, childcare, or purchasing books.

There were two amendments discussed in the House Higher Education Subcommittee, but neither were adopted by the Subcommittee.  One amendment proposes keeping the tiered scholarship amounts between the freshman/sophomore levels and the junior/senior amounts. The other, proposes allowing students who graduate from college without using their full five-year eligibility, to use the remaining amount for graduate school.  Members briefly discussed the amendments but passed the bill as originally drafted.  It is possible, however, that the amendments can be adopted during consideration by other committees.

The bill passed the Subcommittee and has been sent to the full House Education Administration Committee to be considered next week.  The Senate version will be considered by the Finance Committee this next week.

SB2179/HB2201, redirects 40 percent of the revenue collected from sports wagering licensees from the lottery for education account to a new account created to provide supplemental funding for voluntary pre-kindergarten programs.  If passed, the bill will reduce available funding for the Governor’s proposed changes to the lottery scholarship programs.

The bill was considered by the House Education Administration Committee this week.  After lengthy consideration, the bill passed on a voice vote with a slight majority.  It will now be considered by the House Finance Committee. The Senate version of the bill narrowly passed the Education Committee last week and will be considered by the Senate Finance Committee on March 15th.

Several of the bills impacting university-based educator preparation programs have largely stalled in their respective committees.  Bill sponsors are working on amendments to their proposals.    TICUA continues to work with the other education preparation providers (EPP) stakeholders in proposing amendment language. 

However, three EPP bills sponsored by Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver passed out of the House Education Administration Committee this week:

SB1864/HB1899 - As introduced, authorizes a teacher with a valid temporary teaching permit to receive a practitioner license for the course or subject area for which the temporary permit was issued.  The bill was amended which limits the practice of issuing limited licenses and requires demonstrated knowledge of course content and coursework for foundational pedagogical skills, including literacy. As well, the teacher must agree in writing to begin a State Board approved pathway to transition from a limited license to a practitioner license. The House bill has been passed to the Finance Committee. The Senate companion bill has been placed on the final calendar for the Education Committee.

SB1863/HB1901 – Authorizes the commissioner of education to issue temporary endorsement exemptions and temporary teaching permits for individuals to teach certain courses and subjects.  This includes subjects for which an end-of-course assessment is administered.  The bill has been amended to limit the number of times a temporary endorsement can be issued and requires the director of schools to certify that they are unable to secure a qualified teacher for the course subject area.  The House version of the bill has been passed to the Calendar and Rules Committee which is the final step before being considered on the House floor.  The Senate companion bill has been placed on the final calendar for the Education Committee.

SB2567/HB1900 - As introduced, requires the department of education to establish a fund to reimburse educators for the cost of an assessment (i.e. Praxis) required for licensure if the educator receives a qualifying score.  The bill has been passed to the House Government Operations Committee.  The Senate companion bill has been sent to the Finance Committee for consideration.