Local Education Agencies - As enacted, requires an LEA that operates a public high school that meets certain criteria to permit certain high school students who are enrolled in private schools to participate in interscholastic athletics at the public high school. - Amends TCA Title 49.
HB 1785 requires Tennessee public school districts (LEAs) to allow high school students enrolled at small private schools (under 200 students) located within the district to try out for interscholastic sports at their zoned public high school. It applies only if the student lives in the district and meets existing athletic eligibility rules set by sports associations. The bill does not guarantee a spot on a team or override coaches' decisions, but ensures private school students aren’t barred solely due to their school type. This policy affects students at qualifying small private schools and public schools in Tennessee, effective for the 2026-2027 school year.
Bill status
died
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 22, 2026
Last action May 18, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
22
Key actions
10
Committee
13
Apr 1, 2026
Lower · Passed
Rec. for pass. if am., ref. to Calendar & Rules Committee
lower
Apr 1, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on cal. Calendar & Rules Committee for 4/2/2026
lower
Mar 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action def. in Education Committee to 4/1/2026
lower
Mar 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on cal. Education Committee for 3/31/2026
lower
Mar 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on cal. Education Committee for 3/24/2026
lower
Mar 17, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action def. in Education Committee to 3/24/2026
lower
Mar 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on cal. Education Committee for 3/17/2026
lower
Mar 10, 2026
Committee
Rec for pass if am by s/c ref. to Education Committee
lower
Mar 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Education Administration Subcommittee for 3/10/2026
lower
Mar 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action Def. in s/c Education Administration Subcommittee to 3/10/2026
lower
Feb 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Education Administration Subcommittee for 3/3/2026
lower
Feb 2, 2026
Committee
P2C, ref. to Education Committee
lower
Feb 2, 2026
Committee
Assigned to s/c Education Administration Subcommittee
lower
Jan 22, 2026
Introduced
Intro., P1C.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Lee Reeves
RRepublican
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