Tennessee Senate Bill SB0699

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 37 and Title 49, relative to students of schools where an act of mass violence occurs.

Impact

By mandating that a student who has experienced mass violence can opt for virtual education without academic penalties, SB0699 introduces significant changes to state education policies. It ensures the provision of essential mental health resources and counseling during a critical recovery period. This legislative move aligns educational procedures with best practices for trauma-informed care, emphasizing the need to recognize and address the emotional and psychological well-being of students in distressing situations. Participation in the virtual program is voluntary and requires the consent of the student's guardians or the student themselves if they are of legal age.

Summary

Senate Bill 699, known as the 'Student Comfort through Alternative Restorative Environments (CARE) Act,' aims to address the needs of students in the aftermath of incidents involving mass violence at schools. The bill requires local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools to establish policies that allow students who were present during an act of mass violence to voluntarily participate in a virtual education program for a minimum of 31 calendar days following the resumption of in-person learning. This initiative acknowledges the potential psychological toll such incidents can impose on affected students and seeks to provide them with continued educational opportunities in a less stressful environment.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB0699 may focus on the efficacy and practicality of implementing a virtual education program in the aftermath of mass violence. Proponents advocate for the bill as a necessary support mechanism for traumatized students, highlighting that it not only respects their needs but also mitigates potential academic setbacks during a vulnerable time. Critics may raise concerns regarding the resources required for effective execution, the training needed for staff to provide appropriate virtual instruction, and whether virtual learning truly meets students' educational and emotional needs adequately after experiencing such violence.