SB0836Introduced in the Senate
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 49, relative to persons unlawfully present in the United States.
Introduced by Bo Watson, District 11
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 introduced, authorizes LEAs and public charter schools to refuse to enroll students who are unlawfully present in the United States. - Amends TCA Title 4 and Title 49.
Where it stands
Re-refer to S. Cal Comm
March 26, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House votes
7 recorded votes · each counted separately
Senate votes
3 recorded votes · each counted separately
HouseStage: FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PREVIOUS QUESTION AS AMENDED PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION · March 16, 2026
72
Yes
22
No
0
Absent or Not Voting
94 representatives recorded in this House vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
What do people think?
Citizen Voice
How would you vote on this bill?
An unofficial public opinion poll. It does not affect the bill or the official vote.
One response per device. Location is self-reported and not verified. Results are informal and not a scientific survey.
See how each representative voted
| Representative | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| John Crawford | 1 | Yes |
| Bud Hulsey | 2 | Yes |
| Timothy Hill | 3 | Yes |
| Renea Jones | 4 | Yes |
| David Hawk | 5 | Yes |
| Tim Hicks | 6 | Yes |
| Rebecca Alexander | 7 | Yes |
| Jerome Moon | 8 | Yes |
| Gary Hicks | 9 | Yes |
| Rick Eldridge | 10 | Yes |
Bill history
Filed for introduction
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
Sponsor(s) Added.
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Education Committee
Sponsor(s) Added.
Placed on Senate Education Committee calendar for 3/5/2025
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee Ayes 5, Nays 4 PNV 0
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 3/18/2025
Action deferred in Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee to 3/25/2025
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 3/25/2025
Action deferred in Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee to 4/1/2025
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/1/2025
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 7, Nays 4 PNV 0
Placed on Senate Regular Calendar for 4/10/2025
Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0052)
Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 2 - SA0295)
Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 19, Nays 13
Engrossed; ready for transmission to House
Rcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
Subst. for comp. HB.
Am. withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - HA0207)
H. adopted am. (Amendment 2 - HA0631)
Passed H., as am., Ayes 70, Nays 25, PNV 0
Placed on Senate Message Calendar for 3/19/2026
Senate Reset on calendar for 3/26/2026
Placed on Senate Message Calendar for 3/26/2026
Re-refer to S. Cal Comm
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.