A state review found the bill could’ve jeopardized more than $1 billion in federal education funding if enacted, as it violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Given the potential loss, House leadership paused consideration of the bill after it passed the Senate earlier this month.
Marianna Bacallao, Reporter
Marianna Bacallao (mare-ee-AW-nuh bah-kuh-YOW) covers systems of power from the statehouse to the courts. Previously, she served three years as the afternoon host for WPLN News, where she won a Murrow for hosting during a deadly tornado outbreak, served as a guide on election night, and gave live updates in the wake of the Covenant School shooting. A Georgia native, she was a contributor to Georgia Public Broadcasting during her undergrad years and served as editor-in-chief for Mercer University’s student newspaper.
How one Tennessee foster care kid helped enshrine rights for the next generation
The statehouse voted unanimously to pass the Foster Care Youth Bill of Rights, guaranteeing certain rights for all kids in foster care.
Tennessee lawmakers vote to ban most cannabis products, despite protest from local businesses
Tennessee retailers will soon have to take their most popular hemp products off the shelves, after the Tennessee General Assembly passed a measure that would ban a key ingredient.
TN passes $60 billion budget, slashes money for starter homes, boosts funding for state AG
The Tennessee General Assembly approved a $60 billion budget Wednesday, as federal funding cuts put a large portion of that money at risk.
Tennessee Senate passes measure to challenge federal education rights for undocumented students
A measure to challenge the right to an education for undocumented students narrowly passed the Tennessee Senate, 19-13, to the outrage of protesters inside and outside of the chamber.
Chattanooga school principals decry bill to deny undocumented students an education
They oppose a bill that would allow K-12 schools to refuse students based on their immigration status.
Tennessee joins multi-state effort to deny medical treatment based on religious beliefs
The measure would allow doctors, nurses and insurance companies to refuse procedures that go against their moral or religious beliefs.
Saturday storms to cause ‘very dangerous’ flash flooding following week of deadly Tennessee weather
Saturday, and Saturday night, will be the most dangerous times for flash flooding this week in Middle Tennessee, according to the National Weather Service.
Tennessee could lose up to $1B in education funding under bill denying undocumented students
A bill that would allow schools to refuse undocumented students could put Tennessee in violation of the Civil Rights Act.
Tennessee advances a challenge to education rights for immigrant students, despite mounting opposition
A challenge to federal education rights is one step closer to passage, despite mounting pressure from protesters and faith leaders.
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