Education - As introduced, authorizes, instead of requires, local education agencies and public charter schools to retain a student in the third grade if the student has not shown a basic understanding of the curriculum and an ability to perform the skills required in the subject of reading or English language arts. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 1 and Title 49, Chapter 6.

SB 2091 changes Tennessee's third-grade retention policy from mandatory to optional for public schools and charter schools. It revises state law to allow local education agencies to *choose* whether to retain a third grader who hasn't demonstrated basic reading or English language arts skills, rather than requiring retention. This policy shift directly affects third-grade students in Tennessee public schools and charter schools, shifting the decision from a legal requirement to a school-level option. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 49-6-3115 and 49-1-905(d) and takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.