Education, Higher - As enacted, requires the board of regents, state university boards, and the board of trustees for the University of Tennessee system to adopt and implement policies that clearly distinguish between tenure decisions and disciplinary actions for faculty members. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 7; Title 49, Chapter 8 and Title 49, Chapter 9.

HB 2194 requires Tennessee's public universities (including the University of Tennessee system) to create policies that clearly separate faculty tenure decisions from disciplinary actions. It mandates that institutions ensure tenure cannot be used as punishment, disciplinary procedures must treat tenured and non-tenured faculty equally, and all disciplinary actions must follow due process. The bill also affirms university leadership's authority to discipline faculty for cause while protecting academic independence. These policies must be implemented by July 1, 2026, and posted online.