House Bill 2194, also known as Senate Bill 2259, amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to public institutions of higher education. The bill mandates that each public institution adopt policies to uphold principles of institutional neutrality, free expression, and civil discourse, ensuring that these policies are accessible on the institution's website. Additionally, it introduces a new section that emphasizes the importance of academic tenure while balancing it with the need for accountability and professional conduct among faculty. The bill requires that policies distinguishing between tenure decisions and disciplinary actions be implemented by the board of regents and state university boards, ensuring that tenure is not used as a disciplinary measure.

The bill also includes several deletions and substitutions in existing law, such as the removal of certain subdivisions and sections that may conflict with the new provisions. It clarifies that disciplinary actions can be taken against faculty members, regardless of their tenure status, while ensuring due process is followed. The act will take effect upon becoming law for policy adoption, while other provisions will be effective from July 1, 2026, applying to the academic year 2026-2027 and beyond.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-8-301(b), 49-8-301, 49-8-302, 49-8-303, 49-8-304(a), 49-8-304, 49-9-209(d)(1)(H), 49-9-209