Tennessee Senate Bill SB1714

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 16; Title 20 and Title 49, relative to the "Protecting Religious Liberty and Expression in Public Schools Act."

Impact

If enacted, SB1714 would necessitate significant changes in existing school policies and practices concerning religious activities. It includes provisions for the teaching of the Bible as literature and in contexts that respect students’ rights. Importantly, the bill makes it clear that no student or employee should be compelled to engage in these practices, thereby addressing concerns about religious coercion. Furthermore, the legislation allows for civil actions against school districts if they do not comply with the established provisions, emphasizing the bill's emphasis on enforcement.

Summary

SB1714, known as the 'Protecting Religious Liberty and Expression in Public Schools Act,' seeks to amend various sections of Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance and protect expressions of religious liberty within public schools. Among its key stipulations, the bill mandates that schools promote a period of prayer and reading of religious texts, specifically the Bible, while ensuring that participation is entirely voluntary. Moreover, it outlines procedures for parental consent and provides frameworks for students and employees opting out of religious activities fully.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked discussions regarding the implications on the separation of church and state as per the First Amendment. Proponents argue that it restores liberties suppressed by historical interpretations of the Establishment Clause, while opponents raise concerns about the potential erosion of secular education in public schools. The tension encapsulated in these debates rests primarily on balancing religious expression with the rights of students who may not share the same beliefs, creating a polarizing environment regarding this legislation.