Senate Bill 2599, also known as House Bill 2364, amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to school safety. The bill introduces new provisions that allow a school employee designated by the principal to conduct searches in the principal's absence, provided they have completed specific training. This addition is reflected in the amendments to Sections 49-6-4204 and 49-6-4205, which now include a new subdivision (D) outlining these requirements. Furthermore, Section 49-6-4212 is revised to ensure that any school administrator or designated employee must complete an orientation and training program before conducting searches as specified.

Additionally, the bill modifies Section 49-6-2704 by replacing the existing language with new requirements for local education agencies (LEAs) regarding the notification of parents and guardians about credible threats of violence or disruptive behavior. The LEA is mandated to notify parents within 48 hours of determining a threat is credible, using existing communication methods. The bill also clarifies that reports made to school resource officers do not constitute a report to law enforcement agencies, and it requires local boards of education to report quarterly on the number of credible threats that necessitated parental notification. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-6-4204(a)(2), 49-6-4204, 49-6-4205(a)(2), 49-6-4205, 49-6-4212(a), 49-6-4212, 49-6-2704