House Bill 47 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, by allowing local boards of education and governing bodies of public charter schools to display significant historical documents, including the Ten Commandments, the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, the Constitution of Tennessee, the Bill of Rights, and other historically relevant documents. The purpose of this display is to educate students about the historical significance and cultural heritage these documents represent. The bill encourages the use of wall posters or printed versions of these documents, which should be provided to schools at no cost.
Additionally, the bill grants local boards and governing bodies the authority to determine the size and placement of these displays, which must be in "prominent locations" such as entryways, cafeterias, or common areas where students are likely to see them. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law, emphasizing the importance of educating students on the foundational principles of the state and the nation.