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.
This bill requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to conduct annual education assessments for inmates serving felony sentences. The assessments determine each inmate's highest 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. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Feb 2026
House Passage
Mar 2026
Signed into Law
Mar 2026
Introduced Jan 13, 2026
Signed Mar 25, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
22
Key actions
7
Committee
3
Amendments
1
Mar 25, 2026
Signed into law
Signed by Governor.
lower
Mar 12, 2026
Lower · Passed
Signed by H. Speaker
lower
Mar 9, 2026
Amended
Am. withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - HA0575)
lower
Mar 9, 2026
Lower · Passed
Passed H., Ayes 93, Nays 0, PNV 1
lower
Feb 12, 2026
Lower · Passed
Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0460)
lower
Feb 12, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 32, Nays 0
upper
Feb 3, 2026
Upper · Passed
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 9, Nays 0 PNV 0
upper
Jan 28, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate State and Local Government Committee calendar for 2/3/2026
lower
Jan 14, 2026
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate State and Local Government Committee
upper
Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Dawn White
RRepublican
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