TBA Law Blog

TBA Law Blog

1-Time Transfer Bill Goes to Governor, House Approves Ten Commandments in Schools

Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Feb 17, 2026

The Tennessee General Assembly has passed SB0016/HB0025, allowing middle and high school athletes a one-time school transfer without losing athletic eligibility, as long as the move occurs before the school year begins. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Adam Lowe, R-Calhoun, and Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, now heads to Gov. Bill Lee for approval. If signed, it would take effect July 1. According to the Daily Memphian, the bill seeks to respond to concerns about fairness in transfer rules and limit the ability of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) to restrict athletes solely for transferring once, while maintaining rules for subsequent moves. In anticipation of the bill passing, TSSAA already has adopted related rule changes, including conditional eligibility timelines and immediate eligibility for students whose schools close. In other education-related news, the state House has approved HB0047/SB0303 allowing, though not requiring, public schools to display the Ten Commandments, along with the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Constitution of Tennessee and the Bill of Rights. Chalkbeat reports that supporters of the bill argue the Ten Commandments are a foundational historical document relevant to K-12 education across the state. Critics say the measure raises constitutional concerns and infringes on the rights of students who do not practice Christianity.

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