House Bill 1976, also known as Senate Bill 2090, amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance civic education in schools receiving public funds. The bill mandates that participating schools, including those under Individualized Education Accounts (IEAs) and Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), must provide a daily opportunity for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, offer age-appropriate civics and American history instruction, and refrain from using instructional materials that promote certain prohibited concepts. Additionally, schools are required to allow military recruiters access to inform students about educational and career opportunities in the military.

The bill also establishes criteria for private schools receiving public scholarships, stating that students will not be eligible for scholarships if their school fails to meet the outlined civic education standards. This includes the same requirements for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, providing civics instruction, avoiding prohibited concepts, and allowing military recruitment access. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to the 2026-2027 school year and subsequent years.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-10-1404, 49-10-1406(d), 49-10-1406, 49-6-2607, 49-6-3508(c), 49-6-3508