Present law requires the net proceeds of the state lottery to be used to supplement existing resources for educational purposes, projects and programs, including the Tennessee HOPE scholarship. Only eligible postsecondary schools may accept student recipients of state lottery proceeds. An "eligible postsecondary institution" means an eligible independent postsecondary institution or an eligible public postsecondary institution. Present law provides that an "eligible independent postsecondary institution" is any of the following:  An institution created by testamentary trust for which the state acts by statute as trustee and for which the governor is authorized to appoint commissioners with the advice and consent of the senate and that offers courses leading to undergraduate degrees.  A private four-year postsecondary institution that has been chartered in this state as a not-for-profit entity for at least 100 years; has had its primary campus domiciled in this state for at least 125 years; awards baccalaureate degrees; and requires all students to participate in a four-level college work program in which students provide services to the institution and to the community.  A private postsecondary institution accredited by a regional accrediting association that has its primary campus domiciled in this state. This bill adds that an eligible private postsecondary institution is also one that has its primary campus domiciled in this state and is a candidate for accreditation by a regional accrediting association.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-4-902(11), 49-4-902