SJR 650 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

General Assembly, Statement of Intent or Position - Supports efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and restore authority over education to the states. -

Senate Joint Resolution 650 is a non-binding resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly expressing support for dismantling the U.S. Department of Education and restoring primary authority over K-12 education to states. It directs the Governor to establish a task force to develop a plan for transitioning federal education programs - such as Title programs and special education - to state administration, including identifying statutory changes and seeking federal waivers. The resolution does not change existing laws but outlines a process for Tennessee to coordinate with other states and propose a comprehensive strategy for reduced federal oversight.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House Passage
May 2026
Signed into Law
May 2026
Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Signed May 11, 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
27
Key actions
14
Committee
12
May 11, 2026
Signed into law
Signed by Governor.
lower
May 1, 2026
Lower · Passed
Signed by H. Speaker
lower
Apr 29, 2026
Upper · Passed
Signed by Senate Speaker
upper
Apr 22, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Education Administration Subcommittee for 4/22/2026
lower
Apr 22, 2026
Lower · Passed
Rec. for pass by s/c ref. to Education Committee
lower
Apr 22, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on cal. Education Committee for 4/22/2026
lower
Apr 22, 2026
Lower · Passed
Rec. for pass; ref to Calendar & Rules Committee
lower
Apr 22, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on cal. Calendar & Rules Committee for 4/22/2026
lower
Apr 22, 2026
Lower · Passed
Concurred, Ayes 69, Nays 19, PNV 0
lower
Apr 2, 2026
Committee
Ref. to Education Committee
lower
Apr 2, 2026
Committee
Assigned to s/c Education Administration Subcommittee
lower
Mar 30, 2026
Upper · Passed
Adopted, Ayes 27, Nays 6
upper
Mar 24, 2026
Lower · Passed
Recommended for adoption by Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee, refer Senate Calendar Committee
lower
Mar 17, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee to 3/24/2026
lower
Mar 17, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 3/24/2026
lower
Mar 10, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 3/17/2026
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee
upper
Feb 2, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson
RRepublican
TN
27