TN HB1973

Prohibits educators from engaging in any sexually related behavior with current or former students, regardless of consent, including verbal, physical, written, visual, digital, or electronic conduct

Defines prohibited sexually related behavior to include sexual jokes, remarks, innuendo, pressuring for dates or sexual favors, inappropriate touching, kissing, threatening physical harm, and sexual offenses

Defines "former student" as anyone who left the educator's school within the 12-month period immediately preceding the first reported instance of sexually related behavior

Requires teachers to provide at least 30 days written notice of resignation to the director of schools

Violations must be reported to the State Board of Education and constitute grounds for educator license discipline; effective July 1, 2026