New Laws Affecting Public Schools Go In Effect Friday

Tomorrow is July 1st and new laws will go into effect in Tennessee, including some that have to deal with public education. For instance, starting tomorrow the bill goes into effect that removes barriers for retired members of the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System to be re-employed as a teacher, substitute teacher, or as a school bus driver without the loss or suspension of their TCRS benefits. Currently, retired members of TCRS may return to work, but only for a maximum of 120 days. Starting tomorrow, the limit will be extended to one year while allowing retirees returning to the school system to maintain their retirement benefits.

Another new law prohibits biological males from participating in girls’ sports in public K-12 education institutions. The new law requires the Tennessee Department of Education to withhold a portion of state funds from public middle or high schools that fail or refuse to uphold state law by allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports.

Another law going into effect tomorrow ensures vendors that provide internet service to schools comply with state law prohibiting pornography and obscene materials from school computers. And… a law goes into effect that requires all school employees be trained to detect and prevent human trafficking of children. Previously, only teachers were required to take the training. Under this new law, bus drivers, janitors and cafeteria workers will be required to take the training as well.