Full Breakdown
Tennessee Bill Aims to Mandate Bible Instruction in Public Schools
2/20/2026, 7:46:47 PM
Overview of the Proposed Legislation
In Tennessee, a new legislative proposal, House Bill 1491, seeks to require public schools to incorporate Bible teachings into their curriculum. Sponsored by State Representative Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, the bill is titled the “Protecting Religious Liberty and Expression in Public Schools Act.” If enacted, it would mandate that public schools use the Bible as part of their instruction and provide designated periods for prayer and reading religious texts.
The bill specifies that while the Bible must be included in the curriculum, it should be taught as literature rather than religious doctrine. Schools would be prohibited from coercing students into accepting the Bible as divinely inspired and must allow students to opt out of Bible-related instruction upon written request from a parent or guardian or from students aged 18 and older.
Legal Implications and Enforcement
House Bill 1491 includes provisions for legal recourse for individuals who believe their school has not complied with the bill's requirements. Those affected would be entitled to declaratory and injunctive relief, as well as court costs and reasonable attorney fees. However, individuals filing lawsuits to enforce the separation of church and state or the Establishment Clause may be liable for the prevailing party's costs and fees.
Context and Related Legislation
This bill is part of a broader legislative agenda by Bulso, who has also sponsored House Bill 1473, which protects individuals and organizations from being compelled to participate in same-sex marriages, citing the need to uphold sincerely held religious beliefs. Bulso argues that the 2015 Supreme Court decision Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage, represents federal overreach. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, have expressed concern that these bills undermine constitutional protections and challenge the spirit of the 14th Amendment.
Criticism and Opposition
Opposition to House Bill 1491 has emerged from various quarters, particularly among Democratic lawmakers. Critics argue that the bill could violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from establishing a religion. House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons stated that the bill's implications are a "slap in the face" to the 14th Amendment's protections. Rep. Sam McKenzie, D-Knoxville, expressed concern that Bulso's legislative efforts are a means to challenge established legal precedents in higher courts.
What's Next
As of now, House Bill 1491 is under consideration by the House Judiciary Committee. A Senate version of the bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Joey Hensley, is also in progress. The outcome of these legislative efforts could significantly impact the intersection of education, religion, and law in Tennessee public schools.
