SB2079Introduced in the Senate
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 14; Title 49, Chapter 7; Title 49, Chapter 8 and Title 49, Chapter 9, relative to higher education.
Introduced by Bo Watson, District 11
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
As enacted, divides the appointing authority for the nine voting members of the Tennessee higher education commission among the governor, the speaker of the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives equally; establishes various tuition and fee limitations and requirements for public institutions of higher education. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 14; Title 49, Chapter 7; Title 49, Chapter 8 and Title 49, Chapter 9.
Where it stands
Effective date(s) 04/23/2026, 07/01/2026
May 1, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House votes
1 recorded vote · each counted separately
Senate votes
3 recorded votes · each counted separately
HouseStage: FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION · April 6, 2026
86
Yes
8
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
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Government Operations Committee
Placed on Senate Government Operations Committee calendar for 2/18/2026
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Education Committee Ayes 7, Nays 0 PNV 2
Placed on Senate Education Committee calendar for 3/18/2026
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
Sponsor(s) Added.
Placed on Senate Regular Calendar for 3/30/2026
Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0490)
Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 28, Nays 3
Sponsor(s) Added.
Engrossed; ready for transmission to House
Rcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
Subst. for comp. HB.
Am. withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - HA0906)
Passed H., Ayes 86, Nays 8, PNV 0
Enrolled and ready for signatures
Signed by Senate Speaker
Signed by H. Speaker
Transmitted to Governor for action.
Signed by Governor.
Pub. Ch. 799
Effective date(s) 04/23/2026, 07/01/2026
Verify the information
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