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 extends eligibility to Tennessee resident students at certain independent postsecondary institutions and private nonprofit postsecondary institutions that meet specific criteria, including having a partnership with the state, being regionally accredited, 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 act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, emphasizing the importance of supporting educational opportunities for Tennessee residents while ensuring that institutions meet established standards for accreditation and operational integrity within the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-4-803