State Rep. Jay Reedy, R-Erin, has proposed legislation to address children’s safety and behavioral concerns in Tennessee schools through early intervention.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Jay Reedy, R-Erin, has proposed legislation to address children’s safety and behavioral concerns in Tennessee schools through early intervention.
The Early Behavioral Intervention and Reporting Act, or House Bill 522, would create a computer-based system for educators and school staff to report concerns about a student’s safety, health or behavior to the school’s threat assessment team for evaluation.
“Teachers and school staff are on the front lines, interacting with students daily and often the first to notice behavioral changes that may signal underlying issues,” Reedy said. “As mandated reporters of child safety, this bill gives teachers and schools the ability to address concerns before they escalate and protect the well-being of all students.”
Public schools and charter schools would use the system for teachers and staff to report any safety-related concerns about a student. When a report is filed, the school’s threat assessment team would be immediately notified to review the entry and determine whether further action is needed.
The legislation defines early warning signs as claims of harassment, bullying, threats of violence, substance abuse, self-harm or suicidal ideation. Training on how to identify these signs would be provided to those filing reports.
In 2023, the 113th General Assembly passed legislation requiring a threat assessment team in every school district to ensure students are connected to support services and behavioral health professionals when appropriate.
A report from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) stated timely reports and reviews of potential behavioral threats is essential to successfully intervening with individuals who may be struggling.
School systems would be required to submit an annual report summarizing the data collected during the school year and any interventions provided to the Tennessee Dept. of Education.
If a school is non-compliant, the commissioner of education may withhold state funds, in an amount determined by the commissioner, until compliance is achieved.
House Bill 522 advanced out of the Education Administration Subcommittee on Feb. 25, and will be heard in the Education Committee in the coming weeks.
Jay Reedy represents District 74 which includes Benton, Houston, Humphreys, Stewart and part of Henry Counties.
###