The governor made it clear at Monday's State of the State: education was his biggest priority for state government this year.
"I personally believe that investing in education is the smartest thing we can do for economic development. But I also believe it's a smart long term investment," he said.
Wednesday at the first Senate Education Committee meeting since, a massive list of bills affecting students, teachers and even law enforcement were on the table. Eleven bills in all. To view all of the bills introduced, click here.
One was inspired by the Chattanooga shooting when five service members were killed.
"According to the Department of Defense it's not considered combat," said sponsor Sen. Todd Gardenhire (R, Chattanooga) when asked about a similar bill from past wars.
The committee voted to give the kids of the victims, who hailed from all across the country, in-state tuition with the following language:
"If the military parent perishes as a result of a targeted attack in Tennessee."
It passed unanimously and will eventually move to the Senate floor.
Another bill garnering attention is one that would strip teachers of their pension if they are convicted for sex crimes with a student.
"It was brought to my attention there was a loophole in the law and this just closes that loophole," said Sen. Jim Tracy (R, Shelbyville).
There is already a law in place for felony sex offenses with students.
"But some folks have been pleading down to a misdemeanor offense," Tracy said. That bill also passed unanimously and will eventually move to the Senate fFloor.
And there are bills to watch that were pushed to a future meeting, such as one that changes the UT President's role in the chain of command, putting him or her directly over and responsible for the chancellor.
And a major extension will be discussed to allow veterans to get their degree at a discount up to 10 years after their service.
