AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to civics engagement.

Description

Fiscal Summary NOT SIGNIFICANT Bill Summary For the 2026-2027 school year, and each school year thereafter, this bill requires each public high school to provide students who are enrolled in a United States government and civics course with three civic engagement field days, with one field day for each of the three distinct branches of government. Such a civic engagement field day must meet all of the following criteria:  Include structured learning activities aligned with the state board-adopted academic standards for the United States government and civics course.  For purposes of the civic engagement field day that covers the legislative branch, include a class visit to a city council, county commission, or the general assembly.  For purposes of the civic engagement field day that covers the judicial branch, include a class visit to a courthouse to allow students to observe a judicial proceeding or to meet with a judge or court official.  For purposes of the civic engagement field day that covers the executive branch, include a class visit to the office of a mayor, county executive, or to the office of the governor. If a high school student who is enrolled in the course is absent from school on the day for which a class visit described above occurs, then this bill clarifies that the public high school is not required to reschedule the class visit or arrange for a separate visit for the absent student. Additionally, a public high school may prohibit a student who is enrolled in the course from attending a class visit described above for disciplinary reasons in accordance with the disciplinary policy of the LEA or public charter school. ON MARCH 16, 2026, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED SENATE BILL 1819, AS AMENDED. AMENDMENT #1 adds that, if civic engagement field days are impracticable

Subjects

Progress

1. IntroducedJan 20, 2026
2. Sent to committeeJan 22, 2026