Proposed school voucher bill dead after lawmakers were unable to negotiate certain stipulations

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Gov. Bill Lee’s proposed school voucher bill is dead after lawmakers were unable to negotiate on certain stipulations.

Last week, NewsChannel 5 caught lawmakers entering a closed-door meeting with Gov. Lee about striking a deal on the voucher plan, but the impasse wasn't broken. Last week, we reported that the voucher plan was on life support.

The bill itself has been the subject of a lot of back and forth, with opponents worrying it would take money away from public schools.

Supporters of the bill say giving families money to put toward private education for their child is invaluable.

"I am extremely disappointed for the families who will have to wait yet another year for the freedom to choose the right education for their child, especially when there is broad agreement that now is the time to bring universal school choice to Tennessee," Lee said. "While we made tremendous progress, unfortunately, it has become clear that there is not a pathway for the bill during this legislative session."

Because this is the last year in the 113th General Assembly, lawmakers will have to file the bill as brand new in 2025.

(AP Photo/George Walker IV)

What was the plan?

Known as education scholarships by lawmakers, vouchers would have given families a dollar amount to take their children out of public school and place them in private schools.

As the governor outlined, he wanted around $7,000 per year for families who chose to leave the public school system. Eventually, every family in the state would have access to those funds, regardless of household income. NewsChannel 5 Investigates published the plan first before the governor's announcement.

The $144 million was passed in the budget for the program. However, the money will sit since there aren't statewide vouchers this year.

Lee announced the plan in November, but the plan lacked finite details.

How did we get here?

The House and the Senate weren't agreeing on voucher language from the outset.

Vouchers kept being bumped on the House and Senate calendars three weeks in a row. The House wanted to include everything with the measure — removing fourth-grade retention, lessening local government strain for teacher insurance plans and changing testing requirements in public schools.

What it lacked was any private school testing accountability.

The Senate wanted to allow switching public schools with the voucher allotment and authorize private school testing to mirror something like TCAP for public schools.

Public school boards decried the effort for vouchers throughout the whole legislative session. Some House Republicans came out publicly and said they wouldn't vote on the measure either. Democrats stood against the measure the whole time.

Full statements

Governor Bill Lee's full statement can be read below:

“I am extremely disappointed for the families who will have to wait yet another year for the freedom to choose the right education for their child, especially when there is broad agreement that now is the time to bring universal school choice to Tennessee. While we made tremendous progress, unfortunately, it has become clear that there is not a pathway for the bill during this legislative session.

I want to thank the thousands of parents and students who made their voices heard, and I have never been more motivated to provide them with the ability to choose what’s best for their family. I also want to thank the speakers and leaders of both chambers for their commitment to pursuing education freedom next year.

It’s very simple — this is about every Tennessee student having the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their zip code or income level, and without question, empowering parents is the best way to make sure that happens.”

Statement from J.C. Bowman, Professional Educators of Tennessee responded, stating:

“A popular adage in Nashville is, ‘The Governor proposes, the Legislature disposes.’ Every legislative proposal gets entangled in political theatrics, and this universal voucher bill was no exception. School choice options already exist in the state. Governor Lee’s proposal was poorly written, arriving late in session, and had zero accountability in the plan. Both chambers understood the long-term financial implications of the plan and tried to address weaknesses. The Tennessee House of Representatives tried to address long-standing issues hurting public schools like excessive testing. Still, no matter how much money out-of-state interest poured into the state, citizens saw the legislation as an entitlement for students already attending private schools that would continue to grow and impact state finances.”