Senator Hensley Highlights Education Legislation Following End of General Assembly

State Senator Joey Hensley is highlighting several education-related measures approved during the recently completed 2026 session of the Tennessee General Assembly.

According to Hensley, lawmakers approved legislation expanding testing options for students participating in Education Savings Account programs, allowing families to choose between the TCAP and certain nationally standardized tests while maintaining accountability requirements.

The General Assembly also approved legislation expanding opportunities to open and sponsor public charter schools, strengthening opportunity charter schools that serve at-risk students, and creating a framework for Tennessee families to access K-12 education scholarships funded through a federal tax credit program.

In addition, lawmakers approved a measure allowing Tennessee middle and high school student-athletes to transfer schools one time without automatically losing athletic eligibility, provided the transfer occurs before the start of the school year.

Hensley said the legislation is intended to expand educational opportunities and provide families with additional options while maintaining accountability standards.