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News & Press: Policy Update

TICUA Policy Update General Assembly Moving Toward Adjournment

Monday, April 11, 2022  

112th General Assembly
Policy Update

April 8, 2022

General Assembly Moving Toward Adjournment

Even though the legislature is a few weeks away from finishing their work, the General Assembly is moving quickly to dispense with the remaining bills still in committees.  Education Committees in both the House and Senate have closed.  The bills which passed through these committees are in their final stages of consideration.  Once the Governor’s amended budget is passed, the bills sitting behind the budget will be considered.  This will be the clearest sign that the second session of the 112 th General Assembly is close to a sine die adjournment.

Redistricting Map Blocked

With a 2-1 ruling, a three-judge panel blocked a new redistricting map for the Tennessee Senate from going into effect, saying the GOP-controlled General Assembly violated the state's constitution by improperly numbering the new districts. The ruling gives lawmakers 15 days from this past Wednesday  to fix the problem or the judges will impose an “interim apportionment map” that will apply only to the 2022 election.

Senate leaders have indicated that they will appeal the decision.  However, in an interview with WKRN, Lt. Governor Randy McNally indicated they will comply with the order if they are required to and that could lead to border changes for voters. “If we are forced to comply to the lower court’s ruling we would have to change boundaries.”

THEC Clean Up Bill

The legislature is considering a measure (SB2843/HB2606) which clarifies several issues managed by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC).  The key issue impacting TICUA members is the annual state authorization process.  TICUA campuses will no longer be required to submit an annual filing for Tennessee state authorization. (This does not impact NC-SARA’s annual renewal filing requirement.)

THEC will continue to maintain the webpage which lists institutions which are authorized to operate but are exempt from regulatory oversight.  This webpage often satisfies the federal requirement which demands evidence of state authorization.  There have been times, however, when institutions under a Title IV audit are asked to supply an actual paper letter authorization. If this occurs, institutions may make a request directly to THEC to receive such a document. 

The House and Senate companion bills are scheduled to be considered by both chambers this next week.


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