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The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
Legislation that criminalizes Tennessee teachers who bully students has been signed into law by Governor Bill Lee and will take effect July 1st, ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.
HB1733/SB1774, sponsored by Representative Debra Moody (R-Covington-District 81) and Senator Paul Rose (R-Lauderdale, Shelby & Tipton Counties-District 32), creates a criminal offense for both bullying and cyberbullying.
The new law which passed unanimously in both chambers, a rare occurrence, defines bullying as any act that “substantially interferes with a victim’s educational benefits, opportunities, or performance, including if the act physically harms the victim, damages their property, makes the victim fear for their physical safety or that their property will be damages, and otherwise creates significant disruption to the student’s ability to learn and their educational environment.”
Teachers and other school personnel employed by an LEA who is found to have harassed, intimidated, bullied, or cyberbullied a student will be subject to suspension or dismissal, such actions being grounds for disciplinary action under school district policies.
During the legislative process, House sponsor Moody elaborated that should an employee be legally found guilty of bullying, the conviction will become part of their permanent record. As a result, if a teacher or school employee attempts to go to another school district, their record would follow and be available for other potential employers to examine.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
