(The Center Square) – A bill that would allow Tennessee’s school districts and charter schools to ban students who are not in the country legally was delayed due to the possible loss of federal funds if it passes.

House Bill 703’s fiscal note says federal Title VI protections extend to undocumented individuals in the United States. Title VI is part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that bans programs from discrimination.

“Violations of federal civil rights laws may place this funding at risk, however, the specific amount at risk is undetermined,” analysts wrote in the bill’s fiscal note.

The state receives $1.1 billion in federal funding each year. Local school systems and charter schools could also face a loss of federal funds, analysts said.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. William Lamberth, R-Portland, was put “behind the budget” and could be considered again once lawmakers pass the state budget.

The Senate passed its version of the bill last Thursday, with supporters calling the bill a “financial” decision and opponents questioning the moral cost. Senate Bill 836, sponsored by Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, received “no” votes from some Republicans.

“But I think this is a bill that we do not need in the state of Tennessee and it will not pay dividends in the future for the children,” said Sen. Todd Gardenhire, R-Chattanooga.

The Small Tennessee Business Alliance said the bill’s sponsors have not shown the bill could save money.

“This is an admission that Sen. Watson and Rep. Lamberth’s attack on children isn’t just morally indefensible – it’s fiscally reckless,” the organization said in a news release. “So we want to know: Will they finally drop their crusade against these children?”

The Hamilton County Principals Association is asking the local school board to pass a resolution that says all children in that county will have access to school.

“As educators, our mission is clear: we are dedicated to creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments where all students can thrive,” the association said in a statement. “Efforts to exclude children from school due to their immigration status undermine this mission, threaten the well-being of vulnerable communities, and harm the future of our nation.”

(The Center Square) – Parents can apply for Tennessee’s Education Freedom Scholarships in May, according to the Tennessee Department of Education.

The General Assembly approved the school choice program during a special session in January. Gov. Bill Lee signed the bill into law on Feb. 12. The program begins during the 2025-26 school year.

The scholarships will give students $7,295 a year for tuition and fees at the school of their choice. Half of the 20,000 scholarships available in the initial year of the program are based on income. The household income must fall 300% below the federal free or reduced-lunch price guidelines, which is $173,160 a year for a family of four, according to the department.

The remaining 10,000 scholarships are “universal” with no restrictions.

Families must prove that the student is a U.S. citizen or is lawfully in the country, according to the guidelines.

“For the first time, Tennessee parents in all 95 counties will have the opportunity to enroll their child in the school of their choosing, regardless of income level or ZIP code,” Lee said. “Nearly 200 schools have already signaled intent to participate in the Education Freedom Scholarship program, and I have full confidence in the Tennessee Department of Education’s ability to process applications and deliver excellent educational choices for parents in the coming school year.”

The scholarships will cost the state nearly $146 million in the first year and $188 million in future years, according to the fiscal note on the school choice bill.

Georgia is also beginning a school choice program in the 2025-26 school year. The online application process ends Tuesday, according to the Georgia Promise Scholarship’s website. Students must live in the attendance zone of the 25% lower-performing public schools to receive the $ 6,500-a-year scholarships, which must be used for a private school.

The Georgia General Assembly allocated $141 million for the scholarships.