TN HB1281

Independent entities offering released time courses must identify all instructors and staff who have proximity to participating students

All released time course instructors and staff with student proximity must submit to criminal history background checks before the 2025-2026 school year and at least every 5 years thereafter

Background check results must be released to the independent entity to verify individuals have not been convicted of offenses listed in § 49-5-417(a)

Independent entities must provide written certification to the local education agency (LEA) confirming compliance with background check requirements and absence of disqualifying convictions

Effective July 1, 2025, applying to released time courses for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond