Local Education Agencies - As enacted, enacts the "Tennessee Religious Freedom Act," which authorizes a local board of education to open a meeting of the board with a prayer led by a member of the board as long as the prayer does not require participation of any person in attendance at the meeting and no person is harassed or coerced to participate in the prayer. - Amends TCA Title 49.

Looking ahead

No hearings or votes scheduled.

History

1. 2026
   1. May 5Pub. Ch. 710Latest
   2. May 5Effective date(s) 07/01/2026
   3. Apr 14Signed by Governor Bill Lee.Became Law
   4. Apr 2Signed by H. SpeakerMajor
   5. Apr 2Transmitted to Governor for action.To Governor
   6. Apr 1Enrolled and ready for signaturesMinor
   7. Apr 1Signed by Senate SpeakerMajor
   8. Mar 30Subst. for comp. HB.Major
      • Vote recorded FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 3/30/2026 Passed. Result: pass.Lower
   9. Mar 30Passed H., Ayes 86, Nays 0, PNV 7Passed House
   10. Mar 12Rcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
   11. Mar 9Passed Senate, Ayes 32, Nays 0Passed Senate
       • Vote recorded FLOOR VOTE: Motion to Adopt 3/9/2026 Passed. Result: pass.Upper
   12. Mar 9Sponsor(s) Added.Minor
   13. Mar 9Engrossed; ready for transmission to HouseMinor
   14. Mar 6Placed on Senate Consent Calendar 2 for 3/9/2026
   15. Mar 5Sponsor(s) Added.Minor
   16. Mar 4Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
       • Vote recorded SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee 3/4/2026 Passed. Result: pass.Upper
   17. Feb 26Placed on Senate Education Committee calendar for 3/4/2026
   18. Feb 12Sponsor(s) Added.Minor
   19. Feb 5Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Education CommitteeMinor
   20. Feb 2Introduced, Passed on First ConsiderationMinor
   21. Jan 22Filed for introductionIntroduced