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.

SB 2259 requires Tennessee's public universities (including the University of Tennessee system) to create policies that clearly separate faculty tenure decisions from disciplinary actions. It prohibits using tenure decisions as punishment and ensures disciplinary procedures apply equally to all faculty, regardless of tenure status. The bill mandates due process for faculty facing discipline, including written notice and a hearing before the institution's chief academic officer. These policies must prevent disciplinary actions from altering tenure status without proper institutional procedures. The law aims to protect academic freedom while maintaining institutional accountability for faculty conduct.