Amends TCA Title 49; Title 58 and Title 68.

This bill:<br /> <br /> (1) Authorizes local boards of education, during an emergency, to consult with the state and local health departments when determining whether to open or close a school to in-person learning and instruction;<br /> <br /> (2) Provides that notwithstanding an executive order issued by the governor or an order issued by a local health board or other public health official, a local board of education has the sole authority to open or close a school to in-person learning and instruction during an emergency; and<br /> <br /> (3) Provides that notwithstanding item (2) above, if the governor issues, during an emergency, an executive order with statewide applicability that requires schools to be open for in-person learning and instruction, then the executive order will supersede the authority granted in item (2) above.<br /> <br /> "Emergency," as defined in present law, means an occurrence, or threat thereof, whether natural, technological, or manmade, in war or in peace, that results or may result in substantial injury or harm to the population, or substantial damage to or loss of property and includes disease outbreaks and epidemics.<br /> <br /> ON FEBRUARY 22, 2021, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1, AND PASSED SENATE BILL 103, AS AMENDED.<br /> <br /> AMENDMENT #1 adds authorization for a local board of education to delegate the authority to open or close a school to in-person learning and instruction to the director of schools. This amendment also adds authorization for the governing body of a public charter school to delegate the authority to open or close a school to in-person learning and instruction to the administrator of the public charter school.<br />