NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As the legislative session began, the Tennessee Senate recommended lawmakers not reject around $1.2 billion in federal education funding.
Anti-LGBTQ+ laws passed by the General Assembly last year risked those federal funds, such as one which defined sex as a "person's immutable biological sex as determined by anatomy and genetics existing at the time of birth," effectively rejecting federal guidelines on gender identity.
It prevents transgender people, among other groups, from changing their driver's licenses and birth certificates, and could conflict with federal protections. Part of the federal funding requires the state to follow anti-discrimination laws, which include protections for a person's gender identity.
While the law may not comply with federal guidelines on gender identity, the funding is also used to support students with disabilities and students from low-income families.
"The laws are in place for a reason," said Sandy Bush, a parent of a student with disabilities in Knox County. "He's cognitively about 18 months old. He obviously can't just walk into the school on his own, he has seizures."
Federal laws on equal education for kids with disabilities make up around $300 million in Tennessee's budget. Bush said those laws help hold school districts accountable.
"When it's not followed, it's very worrisome to send him to school," said Bush.
The Tennessee Senate said federal funds help provide free meals to students who face food insecurity, and also make sure schools and teachers are performing up to standard.
It also said federal requirements could still apply even if Tennessee rejects federal funding.
"I feel that if my representative spent a day trying to take care of my son, or even, you know, observing what we do, but also maybe even stepping in, I think they would be shocked," said Bush.
The Senate recommended lawmakers either ask for waivers or work to change federal laws to better accommodate Tennessee's laws. It did not recommend rejecting federal funding.
House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R - Crossville) gave a statement about whether lawmakers would reject federal funding this year. That statement is available below.
The House agreed with the Senate’s options for consideration, however, the Senate would not agree with the House’s actionable recommendations moving forward. Unfortunately, each body will be filing their own report which will be very similar but not identical.