Tennessee Governor Calls Special Session to Advance School Choice, Disaster Relief, and Immigration Policies

Governor Bill Lee aims to fast-track a school voucher program, disaster recovery funds, and measures to prepare for federal immigration law enforcement under the incoming Trump administration.

Governor Bill Lee has scheduled a special legislative session on January 27 to address key priorities, including the Education Freedom Act, disaster relief efforts, and immigration policy coordination.
The Education Freedom Act proposes $7,000 scholarships for up to 20,000 students, prioritizing low-income families, while increasing funding for public schools and teacher salaries.
Disaster relief legislation includes over $450 million in funding to aid recovery from Hurricane Helene and to prepare for future emergencies, with specific allocations for rebuilding efforts and local cost-share reductions.
The session will also focus on aligning state resources with the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement plans, emphasizing cooperation with federal and local law enforcement.
The Republican-dominated legislature is expected to prioritize education and disaster recovery, while Democrats aim to strengthen public schools and oppose the school voucher initiative.