Tennessee Lawmakers Debate Bill on Immigration Status and School Tuition Amid Heated Protests

Tennessee House Bill 145 (HB 145) seeks to impose new restrictions on financial transactions and public education access for individuals who are not lawfully present in the state. The legislation would require financial institutions to verify the immigration status of individuals sending electronic funds outside of the U.S. and its territories. Additionally, it redefines state residency to include only U.S. citizens and lawfully present aliens.

A major point of contention in the bill is its provision requiring the parents or guardians of students who are not lawfully residing in Tennessee to pay tuition in order for their children to attend public schools. This measure challenges existing legal precedents, particularly the U.S. Supreme Court’s Plyler v. Doe decision, which prohibits states from denying public education to undocumented children.

The bill has faced multiple deferrals in the House Banking and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee, with the next hearing scheduled for March 26, 2025. The Senate counterpart, SB 268, is currently under review by the Senate State and Local Government Committee, with a hearing set for March 25, 2025.

The proposed legislation has sparked heated protests from immigrant and education advocates, with critics arguing that it unfairly targets children and could lead to costly legal battles. Supporters claim it reinforces state sovereignty and ensures financial and educational resources are reserved for legal residents.

Protests erupted at the Tennessee General Assembly as immigrant rights activists disrupted legislative proceedings by standing and repeatedly reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. According to Knox News, during the committee hearing, Tennessee House Republicans locked the doors to a meeting room after the activists were escorted out for their demonstration.

Knox News reported that as tensions rose, House Republicans relocated the meeting to a separate room, barring public access. Protestors gathered outside, chanting “Let kids learn!” and “USA! USA!” while banging on doors and walls. Later in the day, similar protests briefly shut down the Senate Education Committee.

Further debate and committee votes are expected in the coming weeks.