Committee advances bill to expand teacher scholarships, add three‑year residency pilot

The House Government Operations Committee on April 8 advanced House Bill 1977, a measure that would modify the state's future teacher scholarship and establish a three‑year teacher residency pilot intended to recruit and retain classroom teachers.

Chairman White, who presented the bill, said the 2023 future teacher scholarship currently allows recipients to draw $3,500 per year while enrolled in an education preparation program. "What this does ... is also adding one more thing to this ... creating a 3‑year pilot program ... no more than 100 students per year in these residency programs, and they would draw down $7,500 a year," White said.

Members asked how the bill defines a "targeted setting," how residencies would be prioritized among low‑performing school districts, and why the residency programs (rather than students) would be required to reimburse grant funds if a resident fails to complete the program. The sponsor and other members said "targeted setting" refers to low‑performing local education agencies and noted existing residency programs in Memphis, Nashville and Chattanooga as models. On repayment, the bill treats funds distributed to residency organizations as the entity's responsibility to manage and, if necessary, to return when a participant does not complete the program; members said the details of program administration may be clarified in rulemaking or agreements between programs and residents.

The committee voted to send HB1977 to the Finance, Ways and Means Committee; the clerk reported 11 yes and 0 nays.

What happens next: HB1977 will be considered by Finance, Ways and Means for any fiscal action and further review; members said program structure, prioritization and repayment mechanics could be clarified through program rules or finance committee review.