The 2025 session of the Tennessee General Assembly concluded on April 22, marking a period of significant legislative activity. A range of bills were passed, some with significant implications for the state’s education system, public safety, and civil rights. The session was characterized by a strong conservative agenda, with a Republican supermajority driving the push for changes in education reform, immigration enforcement, and limiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Key Highlights
- DEI Restrictions in Public Institutions
- Immigration Enforcement Measures
- Achievement School District Phase-Out
- Education Freedom Act
- Voting Rights Restoration Reform
- Transgender Bathroom Restrictions
- Banning Red Food Dye in Schools
- Budget Investments
On Education and Reform
- DEI Restrictions in Public Institutions
- Immigration Enforcement Measures
- Education Freedom Act
- Achievement School District Phase-Out
- Voting Rights Restoration Reform
The new legislation restricts the consideration of race, gender, or age in hiring decisions and dismantles DEI offices and demographic-based board requirements. This move aligns with broader national efforts to curtail diversity initiatives.
A new law criminalizes the intentional transport, housing, or concealment of undocumented individuals for financial gain. This law is part of a broader crackdown on immigration, including the creation of a centralized state immigration enforcement division.
In a special session, the legislature passed a universal school voucher program, allowing families statewide to use taxpayer funds for private school tuition. The Education Freedom Act also includes teacher bonuses and increased K-12 infrastructure funding.
The state-run Achievement School District, created to turn around low-performing schools, will be phased out. A new tiered intervention model will replace it, granting more flexibility to local districts.
A bill decoupling the restoration of voting rights from gun rights for felons was enacted. While it simplifies the process, critics argue significant barriers remain, especially for those with outstanding legal or financial obligations.
Public Safety and Rights
Challenges Ahead
The session also highlighted the ongoing debate over public safety and civil rights, particularly in the areas of immigration and voting rights. While new laws and budget allocations aim to enhance public safety, concerns persist about the balance between security measures and individual liberties. A bill mandating bathroom use based on sex assigned at birth in public facilities sparked significant controversy and legal scrutiny. The legislation has been put on hold by the governor, awaiting his signature. Budget Investments
Funding for Education and Infrastructure
The FY25-26 budget includes significant investments in education and transportation infrastructure. The budget allocates $1 billion for transportation infrastructure, $164 million for K-12 education funding, and $35.6 million to the Rainy-Day Fund. Key Bills That Failed or Were Deferred
- Undocumented Student Enrollment Ban (HB793/SB836)
- Limiting Hemp Flower Sales
- State Oversight of Memphis Schools
- School Safety Enhancements
A proposal that aimed to restrict the enrollment of undocumented students in public schools was paused due to concerns over potential loss of federal funding and constitutional challenges.
Tennessee’s House and Senate have been debating the regulation of hemp flower sales, with the product, known as THCa, giving a similar high to Delta-9.
Legislation proposing a state oversight board for Memphis public schools failed to pass due to disagreements between the House and Senate.
New legislation permits schools to employ retired law enforcement officers and honorably discharged veterans as school resource officers, aiming to bolster campus security.
As the new laws take effect, their implementation and impact on Tennesseans will be closely watched. The legislature is set to reconvene in January 2026, with these issues expected to remain at the forefront. The 2025 session of the Tennessee General Assembly was marked by significant legislative activity, with a strong conservative agenda driving changes in education reform, immigration enforcement, and limiting DEI initiatives. As the new laws take effect, their impact on the state will be closely monitored.
