House Bill 399, titled the "Protecting Tennessee Schools and Events Act," aims to enhance school safety in Tennessee by establishing a pilot grant program for local education agencies (LEAs) in distressed or at-risk counties. The bill mandates the Department of Education to create a program by July 1, 2025, to provide grants for the purchase of portable walk-through metal detectors. Each eligible LEA can apply for grants to acquire up to three detectors, with a maximum funding limit of $16,000 per detector, totaling $48,000 per LEA. The bill emphasizes equitable access to safety resources, ensuring that financial constraints do not leave any school unprotected.

The legislation outlines specific requirements for the portable walk-through metal detectors, including operational capabilities, design features, and procurement processes. It mandates that LEAs use a competitive procurement process and prioritize vendors that offer additional safety features. Furthermore, the bill requires vendors to conduct training for school personnel and collect data on the effectiveness of the detectors, which will be reported annually to the LEAs and the Department of Education. This data will help assess the impact of the detectors on school safety and inform future legislative recommendations.