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General Assembly ends without passing student immigration bill | Tennessee

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Kim Jarrett | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-04-23 07:10:00

(The Center Square) – A bill that would have allowed Tennessee school districts to ban undocumented students died in the House of Representatives amid concerns it would impact federal funding.

House Bill 793/Senate Bill 836 was not revived before the General Assembly ended the 2025 session on Tuesday evening.

The state receives $1.1 billion in federal funding each year. That amount was deemed at risk to the consequences of the proposed law in relation to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, according to the bill’s fiscal note.

Title VI protections extend to undocumented individuals in the United States, the note said.

“Violations of federal civil rights laws may place this funding at risk, however, the specific amount at risk is undetermined,” analysts wrote in the bill’s fiscal note.

The Senate passed its version of the bill last Thursday, with supporters calling the bill a “financial” decision and opponents questioning the moral cost. Senate Bill 836, sponsored by Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, received “no” votes from some Republicans.

Lisa Sherman Luna, executive director of the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition, testified against the bill as it moved through committee.

“This is a major victory – and it belongs to all the children, parents, educators, faith leaders, business owners, veterans, partner organizations, and the bipartisan coalition of Republicans and Democrats who stood up for education for all children,” Luna said in a statement.

Another controversial education bill also failed. House and Senate leaders could not agree on a bill that would have cleared the way for a takeover of the Memphis Shelby County Schools. Rep. Mark White, R-Memphis, said the school system needed to do better with the money it received every year. An estimated 130,000 Memphis residents don’t have a high school diploma, he said.

Democrats said the bill was an attempt to take over the schools and create more charter schools. A forensic audit of the school system is being conducted and will be completed next year.

The House and Senate passed the nearly $60 billion budget last week.

Gov. Bill Lee praised the General Assembly, specifically $1 billion for road projects and more than $450 million in disaster relief for Hurricane Helene victims.

“We’ve passed strategic legislative and budget measures to improve infrastructure, invest in education, strengthen our workforce, and solidify Tennessee’s position as a leader in next-generation nuclear energy,” Lee said. “I thank the General Assembly for its partnership and continued commitment to responsible fiscal stewardship and innovation to improve the lives of the people we serve.”

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News from the South - Tennessee News Feed

What Black City Gets the National Guard – The Tennessee Tribune

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tntribune.com – April Ryan – 2025-09-09 18:17:00

SUMMARY: Over the weekend, protests erupted in cities like Washington, D.C., and Chicago against President Trump’s threat to deploy National Guard troops, which Illinois Governor JB Pritzker condemned as a “fake guise of fighting crime.” Trump’s selective targeting of cities with Black mayors in Democratic states, including New Orleans, has raised concerns of racial bullying. Los Angeles was the first city to face military deployment during an immigration crisis, a move later ruled illegal for violating the Posse Comitatus Act. Baltimore’s former mayor also denied any crime emergency, criticizing the stigma caused by potential National Guard involvement.

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DATA: ICE detainer requests in Tennessee up by 86.5% compared to last year

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www.wkrn.com – Tori Gessner – 2025-09-09 17:03:00

SUMMARY: ICE detainer requests in Tennessee surged 86.5% this year, with a 31.8% rise in Davidson County, according to new data. Representative Lee Reeves highlighted strains on local resources from illegal immigration, citing law violations in small towns like Robertson County. Reeves urges more local agencies to adopt 287(g) agreements, which grant federal immigration enforcement powers to sheriffs, including jail enforcement, task force, and warrant officer models. Currently, 27 Tennessee sheriffs participate in these agreements, contributing to the state’s ranking as second nationwide for ICE arrests in jails. Reeves credits tougher immigration enforcement under President Trump and supports legislation to mandate 287(g) adoption statewide. Detainer requests in Shelby County rose only slightly.

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Spring Hill father recovers after saving family from fire

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www.youtube.com – WKRN News 2 – 2025-09-09 16:16:25

SUMMARY: A Spring Hill father heroically saved his 7-year-old son Silas from a raging house fire that engulfed their home. Ashley, the mother, described frantic moments as she tried to escape with their 3-year-old daughter Milly and called for Silas amidst the smoke. Brandon, the father, made multiple attempts to rescue Silas, risking his life. Both children suffered burns but have been cleared from the hospital. Brandon is recovering from burns and exhaustion at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The family lost everything in the fire. First responders and police aided the family and praised Brandon’s bravery. The family continues to heal and hopes for recovery.

A Spring Hill father continues to recover after saving his son from a house fire.

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