Image Credit: tn.gov
Tennessee Conservative News Staff –
New legislation has been proposed that would require Tennessee schools to educate students on the dangers of child trafficking.
Senate Bill 1710 (SB1710), sponsored by State Senator Jack Johnson (R-Franklin-D27), requires public schools and public charter schools to “provide instruction in child trafficking awareness and prevention to students in grades kindergarten through 12 through health education, instead of being provided through a family life curriculum.”
In the text of the legislation, it notes that schools must ensure that all instruction “is age- and grade-appropriate and advances each year through developmentally appropriate instruction and skill building.”
The bill would also require school boards and governing bodies of charter schools to submit a plan for the required instruction to the commissioner of education and must also make the plan publicly available on their website.
Additionally, a report must be sent to the commissioner by July 1 verifying the instruction that took place.
If passed, the new requirement would go into effect for the 2026-2027 school year.
The companion House Bill 1527 (HB1527), sponsored by State Representative Jake McCalmon, has been assigned to the House Education Instruction Subcommittee.
