House Bill 1772 amends Tennessee law regarding the liability of higher education institutions in cases where individuals with prior criminal convictions seek admission or educational opportunities. The bill establishes that these institutions cannot be held liable solely based on a person's previous conviction for a criminal offense. Additionally, it stipulates that evidence of such a conviction is not admissible in negligence claims against the institution, unless the institution had actual knowledge of the individual's prior conviction for a violent or violent sexual offense and acted willfully in allowing the individual to continue their enrollment or residency.

The bill clarifies that it does not create or expand any existing causes of action and specifies that the term "higher education institution" encompasses various educational entities. The provisions of this act will take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to claims arising on or after that date.