SB1709

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

Introduced·1/15/26
Draft Text

Tennessee SB1709 requires applicants for a teacher license to pass a civics test.

Tennessee SB1709 amends the state's educator licensure requirements by adding a United States civics test to the application process for a practitioner teacher license or practitioner occupational teacher license. Beginning July 1, 2027, applicants must achieve a passing score on the test, which consists of 100 questions with a minimum of 70 correct answers required to pass. The Department of Education will administer the test and provide reference materials and instructional resources on its website. The act, known as the Tennessee Civics Education Act, takes effect July 1, 2026.

Included in complete analysis

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

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Where it stands

Current
Finance, Ways and Means Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

0
2
RR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee

8 Yea

RRRRRRRR

1 Nay

D

Calendar

Apr 20

1:00 PM

Senate Finance, Ways And Means Hearing

Feb 25

3:00 PM

Senate Education Hearing

History

Apr 20

Senate

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/21/2026

Apr 14

Senate

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/20/2026

Apr 14

Senate

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/21/2026