Representative David Byrd: District 71 Capitol Hill Update

Tennessee Accommodations for All Children Act – Public Chapter 452 requires a public school to provide a reasonable accommodation to a person who has conveyed through a written request that they are unwilling or unable to use multi-occupancy restrooms or changing facilities designated for the person’s sex. (Bell / Transmitted to Gov 5/4)

Student Athletes / Safe Stars Act – Public Chapter 272 creates standards and metrics for student athlete safety in a program that has been recognized as one of the most comprehensive health and safety programs in the United States for K-12 athletics.

Protecting Girls’ Sports – Public chapter 40 protects girls’ sports by ensuring students compete in athletic competitions that correspond with their sex at birth.

Student’s Right to Know Act – Public Chapter 507 provides a web-based dashboard for high school students considering their college and career options. It will give students more information regarding higher education cost options, in addition to expected wages in occupations they are considering.

Tennessee Promise Scholarships / Financial Hardships – Public chapter 512 requires the Tennessee higher education commission (THEC) to establish a four-year pilot program that awards grants to Tennessee Promise scholarship students who are receiving services as part of the college coaching initiative delivered by partnering organizations and are experiencing financial hardships that may prevent degree completion.

Middle College Scholarships – Public Chapter 529 increases the amount awarded through Tennessee’s Middle College Scholarship program each semester to full-time students from $1,000 to $1,250.

Dual Enrollment Grants – Public Chapter 536 provides the first four courses taken under a Dual Enrollment Grant (DEG) to be equal to the cost of in-state tuition and mandatory fees established annually for community colleges or Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs).

HOPE Scholarship / Homeschoolers – Public Chapter 467 expands the eligibility for home school students to receive the HOPE and Tennessee Promise scholarships if certain criteria are met.

As always, I am truly humbled and honored to be your voice on Capitol Hill. If there is ever any issue I can assist with, please reach out to my office by calling 615-741-2190 or emailing me at [email protected]