Tennessee House Bill HB2393

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24
• Refer: 2/1/24
• Refer: 3/4/24
• Refer: 3/13/24
• Refer: 3/25/24
• Refer: 4/17/24
• Chaptered: 5/13/24
• Passed: 5/13/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 7, relative to fees for state authorization reciprocity agreement institutions.

Impact

By instituting this fee structure, HB2393 is expected to streamline the administrative process for SARA institutions within Tennessee. This move is presented as a way to enforce financial accountability and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently for the oversight of educational institutions. The bill indicates potential changes in how institutions budget for compliance costs associated with SARA, as well as impacts on new and existing institutions considering participation in the program.

Summary

House Bill 2393 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 7, regarding fees for institutions participating in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). The bill allows the Tennessee commission to collect annual fees from each Tennessee SARA institution based on their full-time enrollment, and it establishes mechanisms for how these fees are set and collected, with a focus on covering the costs of administering the SARA program. The bill reflects Tennessee's commitment to ensuring that educational institutions comply with interstate regulations, thereby facilitating access to higher education across state lines.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB2393 appears to be supportive, particularly among educational administrators who recognize the necessity of structured regulations governing state reciprocity agreements. The bill has garnered support for its clarity in fee assessments and for ensuring that institutions are financially contributing to the oversight of their compliance with SARA. However, there is an element of concern regarding the potential financial burden it may impose on smaller institutions or those with fluctuating enrollments, which could affect their ability to participate in the program fully.

Contention

Some points of contention regarding HB2393 include the balance between financial sustainability for the educational commission and the affordability for educational institutions. Critics may argue that the fee structure could disproportionately impact smaller or less-funded institutions, creating barriers to participation in SARA. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which fees are set and adjusted could provoke debate among stakeholders regarding consistency, fairness, and oversight, particularly if fee amount decisions are perceived to lack transparency.