School immigration data bill on next week’s calendar

(The Center Square) – A bill requiring Tennessee school districts to collect immigration data on students is on Thursday’s Senate calendar.

House Bill 793 was amended from its Senate version, which would have allowed school districts to charge tuition to students not legally in the country. It now only requires that schools check students’ immigration status.

The amended version of the bill passed the House 70-25 on Monday and was sent back to the Senate. Three House Republicans joined Democrats in voting against the bill.

Hixson Republican Bo Watson, the bill’s sponsor, asked that the bill be moved to “next week” during Thursday’s Senate floor session.

The bill has opposition from some Republicans, Democrats, educators and the Tennessee Small Business Alliance.

“This delay is a hopeful sign that support for this bill is crumbling,” said Lenda Sherrell, director of the organization, in a news release. “Lawmakers are hearing from their constituents, and they are realizing this bill creates more ...