HB1658

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to educator licensure.

Introduced·1/14/26

Tennessee HB1658 requires new teacher license applicants to pass a U.S. civics test starting July 1, 2027.

Tennessee HB1658, known as the Tennessee Civics Education Act, mandates that individuals seeking their first practitioner teacher license or practitioner occupational teacher license must pass a U.S. civics test starting July 1, 2027. The test, composed of 100 questions, requires a passing score of at least 70 correct answers. The Tennessee Department of Education will prepare the test, provide reference materials, and administer it beginning January 1, 2027. The act aims to ensure teachers are knowledgeable in civics and capable of teaching it effectively.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

0
2
RR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

11 Yea

RRRRRRRRRRR

2 Nay

DD

History

Apr 15

House

Taken off notice for cal in s/c Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee of Finance, Ways, and Means Committee

Apr 8

House

Placed on s/c cal Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee for 4/14/2026

Mar 18

House

Placed behind the budget