2025-2026 Regular SessionTennessee Legislature

SB0494: AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37; Title 49; Title 50 and Title 55, relative to the Family Right to Educational Emancipation (FREE) Act.

Legislative Summary

As introduced, enacts the "Family Right to Educational Emancipation (FREE) Act," which creates a new category of independent home schools that are not subject to the data collection, reporting, or assessment requirements applicable to existing independent home school programs and that exempts such home school students and parents from compulsory school attendance requirements; prohibits the department of safety from conditioning the issuance of a driver license or learner's permit on a school-aged applicant's attendance record or enrollment status. - Amends TCA Title 37; Title 49; Title 50 and Title 55.

Demographic Impact

Overall analysis of equity impact

60% Positive
Medium ConfidenceView detailed demographic breakdown ↓

Unlock Full Demographic Insights

Go beyond the overall score.

Gain a deeper understanding of this bill's potential impact across diverse communities, including detailed breakdowns by category and subgroup. Access to this granular analysis helps ensure equitable outcomes.

Enable full analysis features for your organization.

Contact Sales to Learn More

Or email us directly at sales@legiequity.us.

Bill History

1/29/2025
Filed for introduction
Senate
2/6/2025
Sponsor(s) Added.
Senate
2/10/2025
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
Senate
2/12/2025
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Education Committee
Senate
2/27/2025
Placed on Senate Education Committee calendar for 3/5/2025
Senate
3/3/2025
Sponsor(s) Added.
Senate
3/5/2025
Action deferred in Senate Education Committee to 3/12/2025
Senate
3/5/2025
Placed on Senate Education Committee calendar for 3/12/2025
Senate
3/12/2025
Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Education Committee
Senate
4/11/2025
Sponsor(s) Added.
Senate

Status Information

Current Status
Introduced(1/29/2025)
Chamber
Senate
Committee
Education(Senate)

Documents

Draft
Bill Text1/29/202575.8 KB
Draft
Bill Text1/29/202575.8 KB
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note3/4/2025149.3 KB