Tennessee House Bill HB1733

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/26
• Refer: 1/22/26
• Refer: 3/3/26
• Refer: 3/10/26
• Refer: 3/23/26
• Refer: 4/15/26
• Refer: 4/17/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37; Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 3; Title 40; Title 49 and Title 55, Chapter 10, Part 7, relative to harassment.

Impact

The proposed changes will directly affect the conduct policies of various educational institutions. Under the new definitions set forth in HB1733, a more encompassing definition of bullying is introduced which includes acts that take place off school property and outside of school-sponsored activities. This aligns with growing sentiments advocating for the welfare of students, as schools grapple with the implications of bullying in a digital age where cyberbullying often transcends traditional school boundaries.

Summary

House Bill 1733 aims to amend several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to harassment within educational settings. Specifically, the bill seeks to redefine acts of bullying and harassment committed by school employees or students, broadening the scope of what constitutes such behavior both on and off school grounds. This legal update is intended to ensure that acts which disrupt the educational environment, regardless of location, are addressed under state law.

Contention

Notably, the bill mandates penalties for school employees who engage in harassment, intimidation, bullying, or cyberbullying, including potential dismissal or suspension. This raises points of contention around the accountability of educators and the due process rights of accused individuals. Critics may argue that these measures could lead to wrongful accusations and a chilling effect on teacher-student interactions, while supporters contend that these protections are vital to fostering a safe educational environment for all students.