Tagged: 2013 TN General Assembly

Legislation that changes the way certain charter schools are authorized in Tennessee is headed to the Senate floor.

The proposal sponsored by Republican Sen. Dolores Gresham passed the Senate Finance Committee 7-3 Wednesday. The advancing measure is one of at least three proposed versions. The previous version sought to create a state panel to authorize charter schools for five counties where there are failing schools.

A Tennessee bill requiring anyone recording or taking photos of livestock abuse to turn images over to law enforcement within 48 hours has been approved in the House with 50 votes -- the bare minimum needed to clear the chamber.

Animal protection activists like the Humane Society of the United States say the bill would have a chilling effect on whistleblowers and prevent undercover operations from establishing a pattern of abuse.

The Tennessee House has approved a proposal that caps enrollment in virtual schools.

The House voted 66-29 Tuesday to pass the bill that allows beginning online schools an enrollment of 1,500 with the ability to expand as long as they meet performance requirements. If they fail to do so for three consecutive years, then the state education commissioner could chose to cap enrollment or direct the local school board to close the school.

A measure that would clear the way for Tennessee cities to form municipal school systems has passed the House.

Republican Rep. Curry Todd of Collierville sponsored the proposal that passed 70-24 Monday. The companion bill was also scheduled to be taken up by the full Senate.

Legislation requiring at least two epinephrine auto-injectors in all Tennessee public and private schools is headed to the governor for his consideration.

The Senate unanimously approved the measure Monday before the House passed it 90-0.

The so-called EpiPen is a device designed to quickly treat serious allergic reactions. Under the proposal, a prescribing doctor or administering nurse would be protected from any injury to a child, unless there was "an intentional disregard for safety."

A proposal allowing Tennessee school districts to hire individuals with prior law enforcement experience to handle security is headed for a full Senate vote.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Frank Niceley passed the Senate Finance Committee 6-2 Monday. The companion bill is set to be heard on the House floor today.

The proposal would allow schools to hire retired law enforcement officers after they meet certain requirements, such as completing a 40-hour school security course. Police officers are typically required to have about 400 hours of training.