House Bill 7 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-3-359, to enhance funding for teachers' instructional supplies. The bill designates the existing language of subsection (a) as subdivision (a)(1) and introduces a new subdivision (a)(2), which mandates that for the 2023-2024 school year, each local education agency (LEA) and public charter school must allocate an additional $300 for every K-12 teacher. This funding is intended for teachers to purchase instructional supplies, with the requirement that the funds be distributed by October 31 of each school year. The bill specifies that these funds cannot be used for basic building needs and any unspent funds must be pooled at the school level for collective use by all teachers.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that it does not constitute an appropriation of funds, meaning that the allocated funds will only be available if specifically appropriated by the general appropriations act. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2023, at 12:01 a.m., emphasizing the urgency of supporting teachers in their instructional roles.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-3-359