House Bill 7097 amends Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance school safety by requiring the Department of Education to report annually to the General Assembly on the types of threats of violence reported by local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools. This report must be submitted by January 1 of each year, starting in 2024, and should include any recommendations related to improving school safety.
Additionally, the bill stipulates that any disclosures made under this new section must adhere to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other relevant privacy laws, ensuring that student information remains protected. The act is set to take effect immediately upon becoming law, emphasizing the urgency of addressing school safety concerns.