Hensley: Lawmakers introduce first bill of 2025 legislative session

The morning following President Trump’s historic win, Tennessee Republican lawmakers filed the first bill of the 2025 legislative session. The Education Freedom Act of 2025 was filed on Nov. 6 to launch a new era of student success and put the Volunteer State on the pathway to having the best public schools in the nation.
Providing parents with the ability to make education decisions for their children is so important. Families should not have their educational opportunities limited because of their income or zip code. This legislation allows parents to use their hard-earned tax dollars and direct them towards the best educational approach that meets the unique needs of their child.
Senate Bill 1 establishes statewide school choice, giving every Tennessee family the opportunity to choose the educational path that best suits the needs of their child. The legislation makes significant investments in public education while preserving the future fiscal integrity of public schools.
The Education Freedom Act of 2025 includes:
The Education Freedom Act of 2025 also includes significant investments in Tennessee’s public schools and teachers including:
Tennessee remains committed to supporting public schools through an estimated $275 million in
additional state funding provided through TISA. Starting teacher pay will also increase to $47,000 in FY 25-26 – an increase from $35,000 in 2019, placing the state 16th in the nation.
I look forward to considering this legislation in the 114th Tennessee General Assembly which is scheduled to convene on Jan. 14, 2025.
Sen. Joey Hensley, R-Hohenwald, gives a weekly update for legislation introduced for the upcoming 114th General Assembly.