Lottery, Scholarships and Programs - As introduced, allows a private postsecondary institution that is a candidate for accreditation by a regional accrediting association and that has its primary campus domiciled in this state to serve as an institution at which a student may be enrolled for purposes of receiving financial aid funded using net proceeds of the state lottery. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 4, Part 9.

SB 1085 amends Tennessee law to allow private colleges with their main campus in Tennessee and seeking regional accreditation (but not yet fully accredited) to qualify for state lottery-funded financial aid. This change directly affects eligible private institutions and their students who rely on such aid. The bill updates the definition of qualifying institutions in higher education funding rules, specifically adding "candidate for accreditation" status to the eligibility criteria. The law would take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed.