A bill that would allow Tennessee school boards to prohibit undocumented students from enrolling in public schools — one of the most divisive bills of this legislative session — passed the Senate on Thursday. 

The Republican-led bill (HB 793/SB 836) would permit local school boards in Tennessee to deny enrollment or charge tuition to children who cannot provide documents that establish their legal immigration status. The legislation has been met with fierce opposition from Democrats and some Republicans and resulted in numerous protests at the Capitol in recent months.

Much of Thursday’s Senate debate included members of both parties saying the legislation goes against the teachings of the Bible and will negatively impact children. 

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Sen. Bo Watson
Protesters oppose legislation allowing school boards to prohibit undocumented students from enrollment, April 10, 2025

Protesters oppose legislation allowing school boards to prohibit undocumented students from enrollment.

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