Senate finance panel advances bill letting schools require immigration documentation, creates 21‑day appeal and possible tuition charge

Chairman Watson moved Senate Bill 836 as amended and the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee recommended the bill for passage to the calendar committee after a 7‑4 vote.

The bill would permit a local education agency (LEA) or public charter school to require a student seeking enrollment to provide documentation showing the student is a U.S. citizen, is in the process of obtaining citizenship, or holds legal immigration or visa status. If the documentation is not provided, the local school may elect to charge tuition. Families may appeal a negative documentation finding to the Tennessee State Department of Education; an appeal must be filed within 21 days, and the student may remain enrolled during the 21‑day appeal and any expedited…