[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",7315034,"mediaKeyId","3407716-218afc6032f23d6200cb9984afbd7353","parentId",3407716,"title","Committee reviews emergency rules to implement Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship; House and Senate split on recommendation","audioSeconds",291,"startMs",227000,"endMs",518000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3407716-218afc6032f23d6200cb9984afbd7353&start=227&end=518","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3407716-218afc6032f23d6200cb9984afbd7353/thumbnail_227000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/7315034/Tennessee/Committee-reviews-emergency-rules-to-implement-Tennessee-Education-Freedom-Scholarship-House-and-Senate-split-on-recommendation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/7315034-f380b2886b893d2d466a08a0c23b4495/orig.mp4?Expires=1775514917&Signature=A8yXFmoYmqfRBf8~YayXnhZb-SQ8FYIt2SgKBa9pnAdzdXv5CxGmUy6umWo~3ylttFUYkrWTInQaxv0tgx8Plu6AZOyOCyGl8F57TzLKoYGArHoDRiX0zcom4~CLIc~ZEt5JKXfzMMHc7ywURAbYESUhA0tf-lbzAY78Uv4X-G6r8LGEca0NZJa2Wy2YmpRbeDwV7U81K9k54~Q2jbel8sQDrXBe7ZPgLs-Befwrpg9sVbxsrytagVQm-IPZrFWuXlsNiN6Agtjq43wp1KUlQjUbgdrYhGkdnwhWpuBCy1zYEvi4HY7CkyYw7~0MgxzIN5SwKaQUzlZOUYWVcIubgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tennessee Joint Committee","date","2025-05-19T00:00:00Z","article","The joint Government Operations committee reviewed emergency rules the State Board of Education and Department of Education filed to implement the Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) program created by Public Chapter 7 of the 2025 first extraordinary session.

The rules, presenters said, define key terms, establish application and eligibility processes and appeals procedures, and address program logistics necessary to make scholarships available for the 2025–26 school year. \"PC 7 creates the Education Freedom Scholarship Program and authorizes the State Board of Education to promulgate rules to effectuate the EFS program,\" Nathan James of the State Board of Education told the committee. He said the statute requires the program be available in the 2025–26 school year and that emergency rules were therefore necessary.

Why it matters: The program will direct state scholarship funds to eligible students who enroll at private schools the rules classify as category 1, 2 or 3. Lawmakers pressed staff on who will be eligible, how funds will flow, and safeguards against fraud and improper use of funds.

What the rules say and how the program will work
- Eligibility and timing: The statute sets limits on total years of eligibility (committee discussion referred to \"13 years, total eligibility\"). The State Board said a permanent version of the rule will be heard on final reading at the board's May 30, 2025 meeting.
- School presence: The department told the committee that private virtual programs may qualify only if they have a brick-and-mortar presence in Tennessee—described as a leased or owned space or a location where students can receive instruction or assessment.
- Funding tiers and seat caps: Under the law, the initial seat cap is 20,000 students. Committee members discussed how additional seats could be added in later years. The department explained the statute creates a mechanism for incremental expansion tied to utilization and appropriation.
- Application and verification: Applications are processed in the order received; department staff told lawmakers the program is first-come, first-served. Income verification may rely on IRS Form 1040 but the rules also allow alternate documentation in some cases (for example, SNAP or TANF enrollment), and the department said it can request additional documents when clarification is needed.
- Payments and vendor platform: Payments will be issued through a state-selected vendor and e-wallet platform; the department named Student First Technologies as the e-wallet vendor. Tuition payments are paid directly to schools in installments; department staff said payments are split into four installments to reduce the risk that funds remain at a school after a student leaves.
- Program use of residual funds: The rules list authorized secondary uses of excess funds; the department said purchases must be made through the platform and are reviewed before funds are released.
- Fraud mitigation and oversight: The rules establish reporting and inquiry procedures; the department said it will investigate allegations and refer suspected criminal fraud to appropriate agencies. The department described an inquiry process and said alleged violations may lead to referrals for enforcement.

Key questions raised by lawmakers
- Application processing and early submissions: Representative McKenzie asked whether applications already submitted were being processed; the department replied that the emergency rule is in effect and applications are being handled under that process.
- Income targeting and statutory limits: Several lawmakers pressed whether the program's income-targeted set-asides could be changed by rule; staff said the statutory income thresholds are set by the law and can be changed only by the General Assembly.
- Food-service requirements: Representatives asked whether private schools accepting EFS students must provide federal school meal programs to qualifying students; the department said nonpublic schools can opt into the Department of Agriculture's school meal programs but are not required to do so.
- Employee discounts: Representative Fritz asked whether a private school could require employees to request an EFS scholarship to receive an employee tuition discount. State Board general counsel Rachel Cuppay said she was not aware of statutory or rule authority that would permit a private school to require employees to do that.
- Data issues and application confirmation: Representatives reported early problems where some families received incorrect confirmation emails at launch; the department said it corrected the vendor issue by 1 a.m. on launch day and re‑sent correct confirmations.

Committee action and procedural notes
Committee members debated a motion for a positive recommendation. The House panel gave the emergency rules a positive recommendation; the Senate roll-call was split and the Senate did not provide an approving recommendation at that time. Committee legal counsel later reviewed committee practice and explained procedural implications of mixed votes by the two chambers.

What comes next
The State Board of Education will consider the permanent rule on final reading at its May 30, 2025 meeting; permanent rulemaking will follow the emergency rule if the board proceeds. The department said it will continue outreach to providers and stakeholders and that the program's operational details—such as vendor processes for purchases and fraud referrals—will be carried out during implementation.

Ending note
Committee members asked for follow-up information on several operational points, including the vendor confirmation issue and more detail about what the department communicates to families after a suspected data mishap.
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Tennessee Joint Committee - Government Operations - Rule Review - May 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The joint Government Operations committee examined emergency rules to implement the Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) program created by Public Chapter 7 (First Extraordinary Session, 2025). Staff said the emergency rules are needed to launch the EFS program for the 2025–26 school year; lawmakers raised questions about eligibility, how ","taxTitle","Government Operations - Rule Review, Joint, Committees, Legislative, Tennessee","taxId",28873,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},7315029,"Rule review roundup: joint Government Operations committee advances most of 10 items; Education Freedom Scholarship recommendation split",375,12000,387000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3407716-218afc6032f23d6200cb9984afbd7353&start=12&end=387","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3407716-218afc6032f23d6200cb9984afbd7353/thumbnail_12000.jpg","/articles/7315029/Tennessee/Rule-review-roundup-joint-Government-Operations-committee-advances-most-of-10-items-Education-Freedom-Scholarship-recommendation-split","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/7315029-d4aab67b86a1f747fd04c21cecaa0225/orig.mp4?Expires=1775514917&Signature=fYjl3LzaHK7gWIllRpMntvoln1RrCPRlucQUxd~vKbg1qeQNjJeLtmifQ1sWRl8SMy1BBpb0ghvBv6IwVBvkt77jzY51QM6wrHlOMVB--QmwVV6G3wsS0222IgyVVK-ClwxO-77BfQHAB1zdEJAC0l7P46ZX7gRk6H122j-EdzSAFIW5WoW0XbYtvDMQn-ybeekVhtGP8OCdfTlT8k5ERXOpgM2TCKQCib63k14CVeu2YRMWk05v9IdEjV0em1VWP7ZS5Tl5WujXWsjl41l09saOGj-TlJ0BhcIdHPcOOCubuyNxyPv8p24gCq8w8mO203O7FS3JuwOXIQxHXiuP7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","What the committee considered
The joint Government Operations committee evaluated 10 rule packages submitted by state agencies, the University of Tennessee and regulatory boards. Below is a concise summary of each item, the most important discussion points, and the committee action reported on the record during the meeting.

1) State Board of Education — Education Freedom Scholarship (Emergency rules)
- Summary: Emergency rules to implement the EFS program created by Public Chapter 7 (1st Ex. Sess. 2025). Rules address eligibility, application processes, appeals, definitions, and payment logistics.
- Notable discussion: Questions focused on eligibility tiers, income verification (1040 vs. alternatives such as SNAP/TANF), whether private schools must participate in federal school lunch programs (they may opt in but are not required), how virtual schools qualify (must demonstrate a Tennessee physical presence), and fraud-mitigation procedures. Department named Student First Technologies as the vendor for the application/e-wallet platform.
- Committee action: The House panel issued a positive recommendation; the Senate roll-call described in the transcript did not produce a positive recommendation. Committee legal counsel subsequently discussed the procedural implications of mixed chamber votes.

2) State Board of Education — Educator preparation (rule amendments)
- Summary: Amendments expand acceptable accreditors for educator-preparation programs to regional and nationally recognized accreditors and strengthen clinical internship observation tools (TDOE-approved tool required starting 07/01/2026).
- Notable discussion: Members asked about impacts on substitute teachers and how changes relate to previously granted exceptions.
- Committee action: Record shows a positive recommendation from the House panel; Senate action was recorded as no recommendation at the time of the joint meeting, and staff noted the item will be carried forward consistent with committee practice.

3) State Board of Education — Educator licensure (rule amendments)
- Summary: Adjusts validity periods for professional licenses (extend from up to 7 years to up to 11 years), allows certain temporary teaching permits for elementary PE and other courses, and aligns permit issuance with nationally recognized accreditors.
- Notable discussion: Committee sought clarification on Career and Technical Education instructor accreditation (cosmetology/barbering standards) and substitute-teacher implications.
- Committee action: Positive recommendation from both the Senate and House panels on the record.

4) State Board of Education — Academic and instructional requirements (promotion and retention)
- Summary: Implements statutory changes related to promotion and retention for K–8 and pathways for fourth-grade ELA promotion, including conference pathway requirements.
- Notable discussion: Members asked what participants are required in the conference pathway and how parental roles interact with English learner status.
- Committee action: Positive recommendation from both chambers.

5) Advisory Committee for Acupuncture — Fee reductions
- Summary: Proposal reduces initial application and renewal fees for licensed acupuncturists and related certifications. The rule would decrease projected revenue by roughly $30,000 per year and reduce the program's reserve toward its target balance.
- Notable discussion: Committee members pressed fiscal staff on the reserve account (current carryover ~$252,252; target cited roughly $79,000) and asked whether the board had considered refunds for practitioners who effectively funded the reserve.
- Committee action: House and Senate panels moved the package forward with a positive recommendation after a motion to pause was defeated; members asked the department to revisit refund considerations with the licensing board.

6) Detection Services Licensing Program (private security and guard rules)
- Summary: Updates training and reporting requirements for guards and trainers to reflect Dallas’s Law and the SAVE Act; includes fee adjustments and clarifications about armed-guard registration. The program had not increased fees since 2001 and its reserve balance was below recommended targets.
- Notable discussion: Members asked about exemptions (retired law enforcement, sworn peace officers), online training limits, and how firearm carrying is treated for guards in uniform. The department explained that without an armed-guard registration requirement, commercial armed security would be effectively unregulated.
- Committee action: Positive recommendation recorded in both chambers.

7) University of Tennessee — In-state/out-of-state classification (tuition)
- Summary: Permanent rule to implement statutory and federal changes that require in-state tuition treatment for certain military spouses/dependents and for citizens of the Freely Associated States (Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau) to be charged no more than in-state rates.
- Notable discussion: Representative asked whether Space Force members should be explicitly named; UT counsel said they would review the suggested amendment.
- Committee action: Positive recommendation in both chambers.

8) Department of Finance & Administration / TennCare — Supplemental payments for RHCs and FQHCs
- Summary: Permanent rule to codify supplemental Medicaid payment methodology for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), automate reporting and clarify rate changes required by federal law.
- Notable discussion: TennCare said the package was developed in consultation with the Comptroller and provider stakeholders; eight public comments were received during the rulemaking process and some feedback was incorporated.
- Committee action: Committee moved the package forward with a positive recommendation.

9) Department of Finance & Administration — Repeal of publication and annual-report printing specifications
- Summary: Proposal repeals a 1976 rule that prescribes physical print specifications for agency annual reports. Agencies now publish reports electronically and the specifications are obsolete.
- Committee action: Positive recommendation recorded in both chambers.

10) TennCare — Coverage for remote fetal monitoring
- Summary: Permanent rules implement Public Chapter 674 (2024) and add coverage for remote fetal ultrasound and remote non‑stress testing where medically necessary. The rules mirror emergency rules the agency had filed earlier.
- Notable discussion: Committee asked for clinical clarification on the difference between non‑stress and stress tests and whether a clinician is required on-site. TennCare clinical staff said the remote option allows monitoring without a clinician physically present; concerning results would trigger prompt in-person follow-up.
- Committee action: Positive recommendation in both chambers.

Why this matters
Most items advance routine regulatory updates; a few drew policy-level questions (the EFS emergency rules and security-guard training/firearm rules). The acupuncture fee reduction prompted financial oversight questions about reserve management. The EFS item generated the most sustained debate and a split committee record between chambers.

Follow-ups requested by the committee
- State Board/Department of Education: more detail on vendor confirmations and fraud-referral procedures for EFS.
- Acupuncture board: further discussion about reserve-use policy and possible refund approaches for practitioners who funded the reserve.
- Detection services program: additional clarity about what training may be delivered online and how continuum-of-force/de‑escalation topics will be handled in certified trainings.
","The joint Government Operations committee reviewed 10 rule packages from state agencies and higher-education institutions. Most items received positive recommendations in committee; the emergency rules to implement the Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) generated the most debate and produced a split outcome between the House and the Senate panel.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},7315025,"Tennessee committee reviews 10 rule changes; Education Freedom Scholarship draws the most scrutiny",2666,230000,2896000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3407716-218afc6032f23d6200cb9984afbd7353&start=230&end=2896","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3407716-218afc6032f23d6200cb9984afbd7353/thumbnail_230000.jpg","/articles/7315025/Tennessee/Tennessee-committee-reviews-10-rule-changes-Education-Freedom-Scholarship-draws-the-most-scrutiny","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/7315025-af3a743449c9fb27cbff7600a480f934/orig.mp4?Expires=1775514917&Signature=E9nae2ohrdDfGwcJy6zrMHwoBiKr7LtB-WB-PDHq3qcFSqF8Kdy9eJWw4tyZTGhZ-wVdfGPVHAhIDW8~vBqg6~G~b6c1HDhgFdDnvksrGtrRPbpAH-hGp4yqUYRfIaer2Hly7q6Iox7FKhhAqKDwb02j3wUwNMI4WvLhiS6ElSSoA7lY2fZSsqzzqv5rjuEBc7KsX090w8spqoJUZEbKUifGnT-EpS3SmSKrxgOQow1wOGl4BKoukzUe9pbwfZyMy2F8crWroy3ttwaaI3l23XIIUPJoJNre5vBp5Boug0bP~h9RP9FJrvb2j8B5sSJhecWUsYBd9RhCLENzUJLraA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Joint Government Operations Committee met for a joint Senate-House rule review session where members examined ten rule packages from state boards and agencies, including emergency rules for the new Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) program, multiple State Board of Education rule changes, university tuition classifications and several Department of Finance & Administration and Department of Health proposals.

The most contested item was the State Board of Education's emergency rules to implement the Education Freedom Scholarship program, created by Public Chapter 7 of the First Extraordinary Session of 2025. Nathan James of the State Board of Education told the committee the law requires emergency rules to make the program available in the 2025–26 school year and that the rules focus on definitions, application and eligibility processes, appeals procedures and other logistical matters. \"PC 7 states that private schools that enroll EFS recipients retain their autonomy,\" James said. He added the rules were drafted narrowly to avoid expanding state regulatory authority beyond what the law permits.

Committee members pressed the board and the Department of Education on several operational points. Representative McKenzie asked about the status of applications already submitted; James responded that emergency rules are in effect and the department would address application handling. Representative McKenzie also sought clarification on the statute’s income tiers and whether the program is targeted to low-income families; James said the income allocations are statutory and would require legislative change to alter. Emily Cornute of the Department of Education explained the brick-and-mortar requirement: virtual providers that qualify must maintain a physical presence in Tennessee (a lease or deeded space) where students can receive instruction or assessment.

Representative Fritz asked whether a private school could require employees to apply for a scholarship to receive an employee tuition discount. Rachel Soupey, general counsel for the State Board, said, \"I'm not aware of anything in either the statute or the rule that would authorize a private school participating in this program to require that of their employees.\" The committee also heard that the program requires proof of income (for example, a Form 1040) in many cases but allows alternative documentation such as SNAP or TANF enrollment in some circumstances; the rule packet specifies acceptable documents and authorizes the department to request additional verification when needed.

Several members asked how the program will identify children who move from public to private schools or from private schools already enrolled; the department said the application does not collect a field tracking prior school sector. On allocation and growth of seats, committee members were told the statute establishes a 20,000-seat initial cap, with a statutory growth mechanism that can add up to 5,000 seats in subsequent years subject to appropriation and specific trigger metrics (a threshold tied to application volume). Senator Bolling and others sought numeric clarity about how seats would expand over time; the department explained that students must reapply each year and prioritization rules favor returning recipients when seats are limited.

Committee members also raised fraud, waste and abuse concerns. The department said funds will be disbursed through a digital platform operated by Student First Technologies; tuition payments go directly to schools and any authorized secondary purchases are made through the vendor’s e-wallet platform and are reviewed before funds are released. The rules provide for inquiry and referral on alleged violations: \"The department shall conduct an inquiry of any report of fraud or make a referral to the appropriate agency for investigation,\" the department said in describing the rule language.

Besides EFS, the committee reviewed several State Board of Education rule packages that would broaden approved accreditors for educator preparation programs and adjust licensure pathways. Nathan James told members the educator preparation (including clinical experience requirements) rule will allow nationally recognized accreditors approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and will require mentors to use a TDOE-approved observation tool for clinical practice beginning July 1, 2026. The educator licensure package aligned license validity periods with recent legislation (extending certain professional license validity from up to seven years to up to 11) and allowed the commissioner to issue temporary teaching permits in additional circumstances. Committee members asked repeatedly whether these changes affect substitute teachers; department staff said substitute teachers who are employed under local exceptions may still be in situations not directly changed by these rule revisions, and that statutory definitions and separate statutes also govern substitutes.

The committee also approved a permanent rule update from the University of Tennessee to implement state and federal law that extends in-state tuition classification to certain military spouses and dependents (Public Chapter 1057 of 2024) and to citizens of compact-of-free-association countries (Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, Palau) at in-state rates per federal law.

Other items reviewed and advanced with positive recommendations included: decreased licensing and renewal fees for the Acupuncture Advisory Committee within the Department of Health; updated licensing and training rules for private detection/security services that align with Dallas’s Law and the SAVE Act (including a prohibition on carrying firearms while acting as a security officer unless the guard is properly registered and certified); a TennCare rule creating a supplemental payment methodology for federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics; repeal of an obsolete Department of Finance rule that specified physical printing requirements for annual reports; and permanent rules implementing TennCare coverage for remote fetal monitoring services (remote fetal ultrasound and remote non-stress tests) as required by 2024 legislation.

Quotes and attributions in this report come from committee members and agency representatives who spoke at the hearing: Chairman Jackson; Nathan James, State Board of Education; Emily Cornute, Tennessee Department of Education; Rachel Soupey, State Board general counsel; Amanda Petri and Dan Kilpatrick, TennCare counsel; Shauna Jennings, University of Tennessee associate general counsel; Reid Witcher and Ashton Bodie, Department of Commerce & Insurance; and Livia Johnson and Renoranda French, Department of Health.

Votes at a glance

- Item 1 — State Board of Education: Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) emergency rules — House: positive recommendation (recorded roll-call totals in the transcript show the House vote prevailed); Senate: the transcript records an earlier Senate roll-call that failed and subsequent procedural votes; committee record shows split action between the chambers (see Actions below). Note: the rule is an emergency rule required so the program may operate in 2025–26; implementation details in the rule packet include application documentation, payment installments, fraud reporting and digital vendor handling of funds.

- Item 2 — State Board of Education: Educator preparation (accreditation/clinical experience) — positive recommendation (Senate and House recorded as passing).

- Item 3 — State Board of Education: Educator licensure (license validity, temporary permits) — positive recommendation (Senate and House recorded as passing).

- Item 4 — State Board of Education: Academic and instructional (promotion and retention; fourth-grade conference pathway) — positive recommendation (Senate and House recorded as passing).

- Item 5 — Department of Health: Acupuncture Advisory Committee fee reductions — motion to pause recommendation carried; the item moved with instructions for the board to consider reserve levels and possible refund policy.

- Item 6 — Department of Commerce & Insurance: Detection Services Licensing Program (private security training, armed guard registration, training standards) — positive recommendation (Senate and House recorded as passing).

- Item 7 — University of Tennessee: In-state tuition classification amendments to implement 2024 state and federal law — positive recommendation (Senate and House recorded as passing).

- Item 8 — TennCare: Supplemental payment rules for RHCs and FQHCs — positive recommendation (Senate and House recorded as passing after committee discussion and a motion to pause that carried in both chambers).

- Item 9 — Department of Finance & Administration: repeal of obsolete printing specifications for annual reports — positive recommendation (Senate and House recorded as passing).

- Item 10 — TennCare: permanent rules to cover remote fetal monitoring (remote fetal ultrasound and remote non-stress testing) — positive recommendation (Senate and House recorded as passing).

Ending

Committee members asked agencies to follow up with additional written clarifications on several operational points raised during the hearing — notably automated application handling for EFS, communications and data-protection practices used during early application-day email problems, precise documentation acceptable for income verification, details about how digital vendor wallets will be audited, and whether the board for acupuncture will consider refund policies when reserves exceed guidance. The committee scheduled no additional action on the record beyond advancing or pausing the packets as noted; several members said they will request follow-up information after the meeting.

","The Joint Government Operations Committee held a rule-review hearing covering 10 rule packages. The Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship emergency rules prompted extended questioning on eligibility, income verification, virtual school requirements and fraud controls. The House gave a positive recommendation on the EFS rules while the Senate vote",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":92,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":95,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6695343,"Committee reviews emergency rules to implement Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship; House backs rules, Senate does not",2323,2553000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3407716-218afc6032f23d6200cb9984afbd7353&start=230&end=2553","/articles/6695343/Tennessee/Committee-reviews-emergency-rules-to-implement-Tennessee-Education-Freedom-Scholarship-House-backs-rules-Senate-does-not","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6695343-ba309eeff072223b06a74f02dcfbdb28/orig.mp4?Expires=1775514917&Signature=EXo9cd2c~xQOispCcYk6HtTxzv4-7g6oxMl59MG~DQWA2OweHiNeAL6eDOz-vMcP4XjWq7A5sXNXAh76xrFbAtTVEbdHWR2LGwXGmp~LYmeKLPfqh7lPzNWTHTHkfmPMZaFlz-zYFbO5Bp~DJW0n0V2WYV114pg2bLL6YgMU86fOQCgrCbM7q8WUWENCVTLxiv63FApHUB23J7xjLmYR65-Rdqt8IQaCR5IlCDg1u1YR5zmTrnijjcg8YZJ9LkMlAX6AqxCMH~91YVgq8kVc8Q-jRQdbrncFUDguGmPdUSssExT3XHGonHM9mn0CEqw0udwkzlf81ObrNbl9840goA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","State Board of Education and Tennessee Department of Education officials on the Government Operations joint rule-review panel explained the emergency rules created to implement the Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) program and answered extensive member questions about eligibility, documentation and program safeguards.

The emergency rules before the committee implement Public Chapter 7 (2025), which creates the Education Freedom Scholarship Program and directs the State Board of Education to promulgate rules “narrowly tailored to enforce the requirements of the program.” Nathan James, representing the State Board of Education, said the rules define key terms, set application and eligibility processes, establish appeals procedures and cover logistical matters so the program could operate in the 2025–26 school year.

Why it matters: PC 7 creates a new statewide school‑choice scholarship tied to private school attendance; the committee hearing was the public forum to explain how the State Board and department plan to administer the program immediately under emergency rules and later under permanent rules.

What officials said
Nathan James, State Board of Education: James told members the statute requires the program be available for the 2025–26 school year, which made emergency rules necessary. He said the rules limit state regulatory authority to requirements necessary to run the program and that payments are scheduled in four installments “specifically to prevent” payment remaining with a school if a student is expelled midyear.

Emily Cornute, Department of Education director of legislative affairs: Cornute clarified school eligibility for virtual programs, saying participating virtual providers must have a brick‑and‑mortar presence in Tennessee — either an owned or leased space or a location where students can receive instruction or assessment — consistent with the rule language.

Rachel Cuppay (general counsel to the State Board of Education): On whether a private school may require employees to apply for an EFS scholarship as a condition of a staff discount, Cuppay said she was “not aware of anything in either the statute or the rule that would authorize a private school participating in this program to require that of their employees.”

Major questions from lawmakers
- Applications and timing: Representative McKenzie asked what had been done with applications already submitted; James and department staff said the emergency rule is already in effect and the application process is being handled under that emergency authority. The department said applications are processed in the order received.

- Income verification and documentation: Representative Oliver asked why Form 1040 is required and whether pay stubs could be used for current‑income verification; staff pointed to the rule language that allows alternative documentation (for example, SNAP or TANF enrollment) and said the department may request additional documentation if discrepancies arise.

- Targeting low‑income students: Representative McKenzie and others queried how the statutory income set‑asides (for example, the 300% of poverty bucket and the set‑asides described in statute) align with the program’s stated purpose. James repeatedly told members that income‑allocation rules are statutory and would require legislative change to alter.

- School eligibility and virtual programs: Representative McKenzie flagged one approved virtual school based outside Tennessee; Cornute answered that the statute and the rule require a physical in‑state presence (lease or deed) and described how that requirement is interpreted for certain virtual providers.

- Free/reduced lunch: Representative Reno asked whether private schools that accept EFS recipients would be required to provide free or reduced lunch to eligible students; department counsel said participation in the federal child nutrition program is optional for nonpublic schools and the rule does not require private schools to opt in.

- Fraud, waste and abuse; payment platform: Representative Oliver asked about preventing misuse of funds. The department explained that all funds flow through a digital vendor (Student First Technologies) and that tuition payments go directly to schools; families may use remaining funds for authorized purchases through the vendor’s e‑wallet, and the department will review those purchases before funds are released. The rule also sets a process for reporting alleged violations and gives the department authority to investigate or refer allegations to appropriate agencies.

Votes and committee action
The hearing included a formal motion for a positive recommendation on the emergency rules. The transcript records the House and Senate roll‑call outcomes separately: the motion “prevails in the House” but “fails in the Senate.” Committee counsel later noted that, by longstanding practice, action in a single chamber can constitute approval for that chamber and that the committee staff would prepare drafting instructions to reflect the split action. The committee record therefore shows that the rules were presented and debated at length and that the two chambers recorded differing recommendations.

Next steps
James told members a permanent version of the rule will be considered by the State Board of Education at its May 30 board meeting (as stated during the hearing) and that the permanent rule filing will follow the emergency implementation. The department committed to follow up with members on several outstanding operational questions — including details about application confirmation emails and data security — after the hearing.

Ending
The hearing highlighted the tradeoffs the State Board and department navigated to implement a new scholarship program on an accelerated timeline: lawmakers pressed for clarity about income targeting, documentation and program safeguards while implementing staff stressed statutory limits and the emergency timeline required to make the scholarship available for the coming school year.","State Board of Education and Tennessee Department of Education officials on the Government Operations joint rule‑review panel explained the emergency rules created to implement the Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) program and answered extensive member questions about eligibility, documentation and program safeguards.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6695337,"Votes at a glance: Ten rule items reviewed; most receive positive recommendation from committee",0,6679000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3407716-218afc6032f23d6200cb9984afbd7353&start=6679&end=6679","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3407716-218afc6032f23d6200cb9984afbd7353/thumbnail_6679000.jpg","/articles/6695337/Tennessee/Votes-at-a-glance-Ten-rule-items-reviewed-most-receive-positive-recommendation-from-committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6695337-4d6625b18267d32ba5d8c533ef2d5c4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775514917&Signature=LhTYQht1~0KtOlnxnpo3wRXqhAaTQEWSLasdoaoPLABzXCKwnfDzZngJZFecyr6TMi0OriN8Drlo-MWVzh9Xe0~2ODfJI4HAIdYnVv~aDFCy~2BIjzz3gCTE3saQQX5WrzTSraOmMdiZ5gcjkOpKMKCeer1JTiVjbu6tLgn~sSfXj0YaOgaMm-e9b1LXAGz~3YSB6ht4ZYvrNThkIDmhyes8tHjafbdSa~6~nb3qSysHyRZXjG1cqFQXtXcpLZ3CiIApYfWPD0mlDlYcS91AupdIVJTwR~BPLK1KNGHHg~vssshe7AvtejFvWfDRNsdM4Lk16Fw37FiuIhgu5xhb-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Joint Government Operations committee reviewed ten rule items in a single rule‑review hearing. Most items received technical or policy changes and were recommended positively by the committee; the transcript shows detailed staff presentations, brief member questions on targeted points, and the roll‑call outcomes recorded for each item.

Why it matters: Rule packages translate statutes and administrative decisions into operational requirements. For agencies and regulated professions, committee recommendations are a critical step before permanent rules take effect.

Summary of items and committee action
- Item 2 — State Board of Education: Educator preparation rule amendments (recognition of regional and nationally recognized accreditors; strengthening clinical internship observation tools). Committee result: Positive recommendation (recorded aye votes in both chambers).

- Item 3 — State Board of Education: Educator licensure updates (extended professional license validity period; temporary permits for certain courses; alignment with federal recognition standards). Committee result: Positive recommendation (recorded roll‑call approvals).

- Item 4 — State Board of Education: Academic and instructional requirements (promotion/retention updates including conference pathway for some fourth‑grade ELA assessments, and rules implementing recent statutory changes).
Committee result: Positive recommendation.

- Item 5 — Department of Health, Advisory Committee for Acupuncture: Fee reductions for application, initial certification and biannual renewal (projected revenue decrease ~ $30,000/year; carryover reserve discussion). Committee result: Motion to pause recommendation was withdrawn and the item moved out with a positive recommendation following discussion and a request that the board consider refunding excess reserves or otherwise addressing large carryover funds.

- Item 6 — Department of Commerce & Insurance: Detection Services Licensing Program (updates for training and reporting; fee adjustments; alignment with Dallas’s law and the SAVE Act). Committee result: Positive recommendation (roll‑call recorded).

- Item 7 — University of Tennessee: Campus rules for classifying in‑state and out‑of‑state tuition status (added statutory and federal categories, including military spouses/dependents and specified Pacific Island compacts). Committee result: Positive recommendation (both chambers recorded ayes in roll call).

- Item 8 — Department of Finance and Administration, TennCare: Permanent rules to implement supplemental payment methodology for rural health clinics (RHCs) and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), aligning with federal law and automating reporting. Committee result: Motion to pause recommendation was withdrawn; item moved out with a positive recommendation.

- Item 9 — Department of Finance and Administration: Repeal of outdated publication/annual report printing specifications (rules from 1976 made obsolete by electronic publication). Committee result: Positive recommendation.

- Item 10 — TennCare: Coverage of remote fetal monitoring (adds remote fetal ultrasound and remote fetal non‑stress tests as medically necessary covered benefits per Public Chapter 674 of 2024). Committee result: Positive recommendation (recorded ayes in both chambers).

Most items were technical or statutory‑aligned adjustments; where members pressed the departments (for example on reserves for the acupuncture board or data security for EFS applications), agencies committed to follow‑up. Several items noted that final implementation or funding remains subject to later appropriations or agency processes.

Ending
Committee staff and legal counsel confirmed standard drafting steps where one chamber records a different recommendation than the other; staff will prepare required amendments or drafting instructions to reflect the committee record when necessary. Several agencies promised follow‑up information to members on operational questions raised during the hearing.","The joint Government Operations rule-review hearing considered 10 rule packages from state agencies and boards. After discussion, the committee recorded positive recommendations on most permanent rules and amendments; one joint item (Education Freedom Scholarship emergency rules) produced split chamber recommendations during the joint vote.","actionData","errors"]

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Rule review roundup: joint Government Operations committee advances most of 10 items; Education Freedom Scholarship recommendation split

Tennessee committee reviews 10 rule changes; Education Freedom Scholarship draws the most scrutiny

Committee reviews emergency rules to implement Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship; House backs rules, Senate does not

Votes at a glance: Ten rule items reviewed; most receive positive recommendation from committee