House Bill 645 amends the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the Senator Ben Atchley Opportunity Grant Act. The bill replaces the existing language in Section 49-4-803 to specify that the state will provide grants to Tennessee resident students enrolled at independent, nonprofit colleges and universities accredited by the College Commission of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Additionally, it allows for grants to Tennessee resident students at eligible independent postsecondary institutions and private nonprofit postsecondary institutions that meet certain criteria, including having a partnership with the state established in 2013, being accredited by a regional accrediting association, utilizing a competency-based education model, maintaining a physical campus in Tennessee, having a governing body based in the state, and being chartered as a nonprofit for at least five consecutive years.

The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, contingent upon the public welfare. This legislative change aims to expand access to financial assistance for Tennessee students attending eligible educational institutions while ensuring that these institutions meet specific operational and accreditation standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-4-803