Tennessee Higher Education Commission - As enacted, adds the executive director of the commission to the statutorily prescribed selection process for chief executive officers of public institutions of higher education and removes the repeal date for that process; revises various reporting and other duties of the commission; allows the commission to delegate its approval authority to its executive director in certain areas; expands the quality non-degree credentials for which a student may receive the Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant. - Amends TCA Title 49.

HB 1227 amends Tennessee higher education laws to affect public universities and students seeking technical training. It adds the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s executive director to the formal selection process for public university presidents and chancellors, removes an expiration date for this rule, and allows the commission to delegate certain approvals to the executive director. The bill also expands eligibility for the Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant to cover more non-degree credentials like industry certifications and apprenticeships. Additionally, it revises reporting requirements for the commission and mandates public forums for finalist candidates in leadership searches.