Tennessee Lawmakers OK Voucher Expansion to 35,000 Slots

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Senate gave final approval Thursday to House Bill 2532, expanding the state's Education Freedom Scholarships — commonly called vouchers — from 20,000 to 35,000 slots for the 2026-27 school year, adding 15,000 new opportunities at a cost exceeding $150 million annually.[2][3][4] Sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, the measure passed the Senate 18-14 after aligning with the House's narrower version, which the chamber approved Monday by 52-43.[2][5] The expansion falls short of Gov. Bill Lee's push for 40,000 vouchers, trimming his proposed $305 million budget request.[1][5] Each scholarship provides families about $7,000-$7,500 to cover private school tuition, prioritizing renewals for current recipients followed by households at or below 100% of the federal free or reduced-price lunch threshold — roughly $31,200 for a family of four.[2][5] Overflow slots open to families up to 300% of the poverty level, around $94,000 for four, with any remaining available statewide.[3][5] Demand surged this spring, with over 56,000 applications — including 18,000 renewals and 17,000 from priority income groups — signaling potential to fill all spots without broader access.[2][4] A state audit revealed two-thirds of initial recipients were already in private schools.[2] Opponents, including all Senate Democrats and eight Republicans like Sen. Heidi Campbell, D-Nashville, argued the program subsidizes affluent families while starving public schools, especially in rural counties like those in East Tennessee.[2][3] The bill tweaks the 'hold harmless' provision, allowing districts to retain funds only if students accept vouchers and their immigration status is verified via Social Security numbers, which parents aren't required to provide, per Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, R-Franklin.[3] Now awaiting Gov. Lee's signature, the measure mandates annual Department of Education reports on applications by county.[2]