Tennessee lawmakers just passed a $447M school choice bill. Here's what it does
The Tennessee legislature approved Gov. Bill Lee's signature education initiative during a special legislative session.
Tennessee officials, educators and more react to school voucher bill passing in special session
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A bill expanding the Tennessee's school voucher program is heading to Gov. Bill Lee's desk after lawmakers passed it on the fourth day of a special session in Nashville. Senators passed the universal school voucher bill in a 20-13 vote Thursday afternoon after debate and discussion about its possible impact on the state.
Tennessee lawmakers pass Gov. Lee’s school-voucher bill
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, who has criticized the federal government for "excessive overreach," said the U.S. Education Department should be eliminated during Donald Trump's second term as president. (Courtesy TN.gov) The House and the Senate passed the Education Freedom Act, legislation championed by Gov. Bill Lee.
Tennessee lawmakers pass $447M school voucher program in major win for Gov. Bill Lee
The Senate passed the bill in a 20 to 13 vote after just over 90 minutes of debate. House members passed the bill with bipartisan opposition in a vote of 54 to 44, with one member not voting,
Both House and Senate pass TN school vouchers bill
Both the Tennessee House of Representatives and Senate passed Governor Bill Lee’s controversial Education Freedom Act of 2025, commonly referred to as school vouchers, on Thursday. The bills passed both chambers despite opposition by Democrats and split opinions among some Republicans.
Organizations share positive, negative reactions to passage of Gov. Lee’s school choice bill
On Thursday, Jan. 30, the Tennessee House and Senate passed the proposed school choice program, a disaster relief package for those affected by Hurricane Helene and an immigration bill. Now, all three are headed to Lee’s desk for a final signature.
State Congress passes Gov. Lee's school voucher bill
The Tennessee state Congress passed Governor Bill Lee's heavily pushed school voucher bill Thursday, on what is expected to be the final day of the special session the governor called to vote on this initiative and several others.
School choice bill headed to Lee's desk
The Education Freedom Act of 2025 passed the Tennessee House of Representatives on Thursday 54-44 as some Republicans joined Democrats in voting no.
Tennessee GOP Passes School Voucher Expansion Bill With Backing From Trump
Tennessee lawmakers have approved legislation drastically expanding the number of families who can use taxpayer money on private schools regardless of income
East TN lawmakers react to passage of school voucher bill after years of debate
The Tennessee General Assembly on Thursday voted to pass Gov. Bill Lee’s statewide expansion of school vouchers, otherwise known as the “Tennessee Education Freedom Act of 2025.” The bill outlines the process for parents to apply for a $7,
Governor Bill Lee speaks following passage of school voucher bill
Lee spoke following Thursday's events of the special legislative session. President Donald Trump began his White House briefing Thursday with a moment of silence and a prayer for victims of Wednesday's crash at Reagan National Airport.
Tennessee House passes immigration enforcement bill; ACLU plans legal challenge
Tennessee House Republicans voted overwhelmingly in favor of sweeping immigration legislation Thursday, creating a new state enforcement office, providing grants to law enforcement, creating distinct ...
Gov. Lee joins Pres. Trump at White House following special session victories
The Tennessee governor’s special session was for three bills: his school choice program, a disaster relief package for those affected by Hurricane Helene and an immigration bill.
Gov. Bill Lee calls on Tennessee legislature to create 'immigration enforcement' entity
A special session primarily developed around Gov. Bill Lee's signature education voucher proposal will now also include ...
Tennessee Bill Would Prohibit Voting Against Trump Immigration Policies
The legislation could mean jail time and a fine for those supporting sanctuary policies designed to protect migrants.
Gov. Bill Lee celebrates DS Electera plant opening in Shelbyville: 'We are grateful'
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee joined others Wednesday to celebrate the grand opening of the $95 million Duksan (DS) Electera ...
Tennessee GOP passes immigration law to criminalize elected officials' votes
The law, pushed by Gov. Bill Lee as an immigration enforcement measure, will also establish a new immigration czar and office ...
Tennessee Legislature Meets With Trump Playbook on its Agenda
A special session that began on Monday pairs disaster aid with two priorities for both the president and Gov. Bill Lee of ...
Tennessee legislature paves way for Helene aid as Democrats push for more funds
During a special legislative session that went into the evening Wednesday, lawmakers approved a series of measures aimed at ...