Senate Bill 1899 amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to higher education governance. It introduces a new provision allowing the president of an institution governed by the board of regents or a state university board to suspend a faculty member without pay during investigations into potential termination for adequate cause, including for tenured faculty. Additionally, the bill modifies the authority of the board of regents and the University of Tennessee system regarding the adoption of tenure policies and the suspension of faculty members under similar circumstances.

The bill also establishes new confirmation requirements for chief executive officers of state institutions and the president of the University of Tennessee system, effective for appointments made on or after July 1, 2026. If the Senate or House fails to confirm these appointments within ninety days of the next regular session, the employment of the respective officer will be terminated, and a vacancy will be declared. The act takes effect upon becoming law for policy adoption, while other provisions will be effective starting July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-8-302, 49-9-209(d)(1), 49-9-209, 49-8-203(a)(1), 49-8-203