One of the most prevalent areas of focus in the 2026 legislative cycle was the state’s voucher programs, which provide public dollars to families opting to enroll their child in a participating private school instead of their local public school district. Our infographic breaks down the need-to-know voucher bills that had an impact on accountability, access, and transparency.

In 2016, Tennessee changed its definition of “economically disadvantaged” students in response to new federal policy that required reporting on this demographic but lacked clear direction on how to do so. Paired with a desire to not overcount this student population, this policy change prompted Tennessee to begin using a stricter definition that would ultimately have significant implications for public school funding.