Correction, Dept. of - As enacted, requires the department to conduct an annual education assessment of each inmate who is serving a period of confinement for committing a felony offense to ascertain the inmate's highest grade or educational level attained, as well as their interest in continuing, completing, or advancing their education; requires the department to notify such inmates of the educational programming and opportunities available. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 41 and Title 49.
HB 1771 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to conduct annual education assessments for inmates serving felony sentences. These assessments determine each inmate's current education level and interest in continuing or advancing their studies. The department must then provide written notice within 90 days of the assessment about available educational programs and opportunities. The law applies to all felony inmates confined in state facilities and takes effect July 1, 2026.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 21, 2026
Last action Apr 6, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
16
Key actions
4
Committee
7
Feb 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
Rec. for pass. if am., ref. to Calendar & Rules Committee
lower
Feb 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on cal. Calendar & Rules Committee for 2/19/2026
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on cal. State & Local Government Committee for 2/18/2026
lower
Feb 10, 2026
Committee
Rec for pass if am by s/c ref. to State & Local Government Committee
lower
Feb 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Departments & Agencies Subcommittee for 2/10/2026
lower
Jan 22, 2026
Committee
P2C, ref. to State & Local Government Committee
lower
Jan 22, 2026
Committee
Assigned to s/c Departments & Agencies Subcommittee
lower
Jan 21, 2026
Introduced
Intro., P1C.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Kevin Raper
RRepublican
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