HB2194Introduced in the House
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 7; Title 49, Chapter 8 and Title 49, Chapter 9, relative to public institutions of higher education.
Introduced by Jason Zachary, District 14
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.
Official description
As enacted, requires the board of regents, state university boards, and the board of trustees for the University of Tennessee system to adopt and implement policies that clearly distinguish between tenure decisions and disciplinary actions for faculty members. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 7; Title 49, Chapter 8 and Title 49, Chapter 9.
Where it stands
Effective date(s) 04/16/2026, 07/01/2026
April 27, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House votes
4 recorded votes · each counted separately
Senate votes
1 recorded vote · each counted separately
SenateStage: FLOOR VOTE: Third Consideration · March 23, 2026
25
Yes
5
No
0
Absent or Not Voting
30 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Lowe | 1 | Yes |
| Tom Hatcher | 2 | Yes |
| Rusty Crowe | 3 | Yes |
| Robert Harshbarger | 4 | Yes |
| Randy McNally | 5 | Yes |
| Becky Massey | 6 | Yes |
| Richard Briggs | 7 | Yes |
| Jessie Seal | 8 | Yes |
| Steve Southerland | 9 | Yes |
| Todd Gardenhire | 10 | Yes |
Bill history
Filed for introduction
Intro., P1C.
P2C, ref. to Education Committee
Assigned to s/c Higher Education Subcommittee
Placed on s/c cal Higher Education Subcommittee for 2/18/2026
Rec. for pass by s/c ref. to Education Committee
Placed on cal. Education Committee for 3/3/2026
Rec. for pass. if am., ref. to Calendar & Rules Committee
Placed on cal. Calendar & Rules Committee for 3/5/2026
H. Placed on Regular Calendar for 3/9/2026
H. adopted am. (Amendment 1 - HA0586)
Sponsor(s) Added.
Passed H., as am., Ayes 70, Nays 21, PNV 1
Engrossed; ready for transmission to Sen.
Received from House, Passed on First Consideration
Senate substituted House Bill for companion Senate Bill.
Passed Senate, Ayes 25, Nays 5
Enrolled; ready for sig. of H. Speaker.
Signed by H. Speaker
Signed by Senate Speaker
Transmitted to Governor for his action.
Signed by Governor.
Pub. Ch. 761
Effective date(s) 04/16/2026, 07/01/2026
Verify the information
Our commitment to neutrality
We provide factual information only. We never tell you which politicians or bills to support, and we do not rank, score, or endorse anyone.