TN SB2485

LEAs and public charter schools may install video camera surveillance systems in special education classrooms to promote teacher and student safety, with continuous monitoring required during instruction if systems are installed

Written parental consent from a majority of students' parents assigned to a classroom is required before continuous video monitoring can be used

Video footage may only be viewed by parents/guardians of students featured in recordings and by teachers who believe footage contains evidence of an assault against them, subject to FERPA and state privacy laws

Local boards of education and charter school governing bodies must adopt policies establishing footage retention duration if they elect to install surveillance systems

Effective July 1, 2026 for the 2026-2027 school year, with funding intended to come from available school safety grants rather than new appropriations