House Bill 1759 and Senate Bill 1762 propose amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the establishment and operation of adult public charter schools. The bills define "adult public charter school" as a public charter school serving students aged eighteen and older, aimed at helping them earn high school diplomas. Key amendments include changes to enrollment processes, funding calculations based on full-time enrollment, and the establishment of a performance framework for these schools. Notably, existing public schools cannot be converted into adult public charter schools, and the bills stipulate that these schools cannot open before the 2029-2030 school year.

Additionally, the bills amend various sections of the Tennessee Code to incorporate adult public charter schools into existing frameworks for public charter schools. This includes adjustments to enrollment preferences, funding mechanisms, and the exclusion of adult public charter schools from certain regulations that apply to traditional public charter schools. The legislation aims to enhance educational opportunities for adult learners while ensuring that the operational standards align with those set by the state board of education. The act will take effect upon becoming law for rule promulgation purposes, with other provisions effective July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Amended with SA0798 -- 04/22/2026: 49-13-104, 49-13-106(e)(2), 49-13-106, 49-13-106(f)(3), 49-13-106(i), 49-13-106(j)(1), 49-13-109(a)(2), 49-13-109, 49-13-112, 49-13-113, 49-13-122(a), 49-13-122
Amended with SA0798, HA0905 -- 04/23/2026: 49-13-104, 49-13-106(e)(2), 49-13-106, 49-13-106(f)(3), 49-13-106(i), 49-13-106(j)(1), 49-13-109(a)(2), 49-13-109, 49-13-112, 49-13-113, 49-13-122(a), 49-13-122, 49-3-105(c)(5), 49-3-105, 49-13-136(c)(4)(A), 49-13-136, 49-13-144