Senate Bill 688, also known as House Bill 708, amends the Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance the subpoena power of the state board of education. The bill specifically allows the chair of the state board, or their designee, to issue subpoenas for the appearance of individuals or the production of various items, such as documents, videos, and audio recordings. This authority is applicable in two main contexts: investigations conducted by the state board regarding the licensing of educators and accountability hearings for local education agencies or public charter schools that receive a "D" or "F" letter grade.

The bill replaces the existing language in Section 49-5-415, streamlining the process by which the state board can gather necessary evidence for its investigations and hearings. The changes aim to ensure that the board has the tools it needs to effectively oversee educational standards and accountability in Tennessee. The act is set to take effect immediately upon becoming law, emphasizing the urgency of its provisions for public welfare.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-5-415