SUMMARY: The Tennessee Education Freedom Act of 2025 is now set for the governor’s approval, generating mixed reactions from lawmakers. Republican leaders celebrate increased educational choices for families, while Democrats criticize the legislation as financially damaging to public schools, estimating a $45 million decline in TISA funding. Governor Bill Lee and Republicans defended the swift passage of the bill, asserting benefits for both private and public schools. The voucher program, however, is projected to cost the state over $400 million in its first year. Some Republicans opposed the measure, signaling divided opinions within the party.

The Tennessee Education Freedom Act is heading to Governor Bill Lee’s desk, but some state Democrats are not pleased.

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SUMMARY: In Tennessee, while 10 states and Washington D.C. permit medically assisted suicide, previous legalization attempts have failed. The debate was sparked in 2015 by John Jay Hooker, a civil rights icon with terminal illness, who sued the state for the right to die with dignity. Despite support from former state Rep. Craig Fitzhugh and others, bills were unable to progress past committee. Democratic Rep. Bob Freeman has since introduced similar legislation, emphasizing patient choice and dignity in death, with support from hospice providers. However, Freeman’s bill also failed to advance, though he plans to reintroduce it in the upcoming session.

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SUMMARY: The Tennessee House passed the Education Freedom Act of 2025 by a 54-44 vote, with some Republicans opposing it alongside Democrats. The Senate followed with a 40-13 approval. The bill aims to enhance school choice but faced criticism from Democrats, who argued it could lead to an extensive entitlement program at taxpayers’ expense. Some Republicans, including Sen. Ken Yager, expressed previous concerns regarding its impact on school district revenues. Meanwhile, the House also passed an immigration bill creating a Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division, which raised concerns among some senators about a proposed felony charge for officials supporting sanctuary cities.

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