Senate Bill 386, known as the "Early Behavioral Intervention and Reporting Act," aims to enhance the identification and reporting of early warning signs related to student safety, health, and behavior within local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools in Tennessee. The bill mandates the implementation of a computer-based system for teachers and school staff to input data on early warning signs, which include indicators of harassment, bullying, threats of violence, and mental health issues. Additionally, it requires training for staff on recognizing these signs and using the system, which must align with existing school safety plans and notify threat assessment teams when a warning sign is recorded.

The bill also stipulates that LEAs and public charter schools must submit annual reports to the Department of Education summarizing the collected data and any interventions provided. It emphasizes compliance with privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Furthermore, the bill includes amendments to existing laws to ensure that the provisions apply to both LEAs and public charter schools, enhancing the oversight and accountability of these educational institutions in addressing student behavioral issues. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-6-2701, 49-6-2702(b), 49-6-2702