SB1957Introduced in the Senate
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to education.
Introduced by Mark Pody, District 17
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
As enacted, enacts the "Tennessee Religious Freedom Act," which authorizes a local board of education to open a meeting of the board with a prayer led by a member of the board as long as the prayer does not require participation of any person in attendance at the meeting and no person is harassed or coerced to participate in the prayer. - Amends TCA Title 49.
Where it stands
Effective date(s) 07/01/2026
May 5, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House votes
1 recorded vote · each counted separately
Senate votes
2 recorded votes · each counted separately
HouseStage: FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION · March 30, 2026
86
Yes
0
No
7
Absent or Not Voting
93 representatives recorded in this House vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
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
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Education Committee
Sponsor(s) Added.
Placed on Senate Education Committee calendar for 3/4/2026
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
Sponsor(s) Added.
Placed on Senate Consent Calendar 2 for 3/9/2026
Passed Senate, Ayes 32, Nays 0
Sponsor(s) Added.
Engrossed; ready for transmission to House
Rcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
Subst. for comp. HB.
Passed H., Ayes 86, Nays 0, PNV 7
Enrolled and ready for signatures
Signed by Senate Speaker
Signed by H. Speaker
Transmitted to Governor for action.
Signed by Governor.
Pub. Ch. 710
Effective date(s) 07/01/2026
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