Senate Joint Resolution 650, sponsored by Johnson, expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's support for dismantling the U.S. Department of Education and returning educational authority to the states. The resolution argues that education is not a power delegated to the federal government and that the federal involvement has led to stagnation in academic achievement despite increased spending and regulation. It emphasizes that states are better positioned to innovate and implement reforms in education, as they are directly accountable to parents and taxpayers.

The resolution calls for the establishment of a task force by the Governor to develop a comprehensive plan for assuming responsibility for federal education programs, including recommendations for statutory changes, waivers, and relief from federal mandates. The task force is encouraged to collaborate with other states and to evaluate student outcomes and regulatory burdens, ultimately reporting its findings to the Governor and the General Assembly. The resolution aims to facilitate a transition of educational authority that prioritizes the needs of students and families while ensuring greater state autonomy in education governance.