Senate Bill 2055 amends Tennessee law to enhance access to private pay services for students with autism spectrum disorder or developmental delays in educational settings. The bill establishes definitions related to applied behavior analysis and outlines the responsibilities of local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools in allowing private pay providers to deliver services during the school day. Key provisions include the requirement for written consent from parents or guardians, coordination with the student's IEP team, and supervision by licensed behavior analysts to ensure service quality. Additionally, schools must provide necessary accommodations for private pay providers and cannot impose fees or barriers that hinder access to these services.

The bill also includes provisions to protect students and families from discrimination or retaliation related to the use of private pay services. In cases of disputes between LEAs, private pay providers, and parents, an impartial hearing officer will be appointed to resolve the issue, prioritizing the best interests of the student. The Department of Education is tasked with developing guidelines and best practices for implementing these provisions, which will be distributed to all LEAs and public charter schools. The act is set to take effect for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond.