Education

This bill requires public schools in Tennessee to report all local assessments they give each year to the Department of Education, along with when these assessments are given. It also mandates that schools can only use the state-provided universal screener for students, eliminating other options. Additionally, it establishes a review board made up of nine teachers to evaluate the state’s assessment tests from the previous school year.

TN HB2277 is a house bill in the Tennessee 114th General Assembly, sponsored by Scott Cepicky (R), currently “Passed” since May 27, 2026.

We track 9,160 Tennessee bills this session, 82 of them sponsored by Scott Cepicky.

Supporters of the bill argue that it will improve accountability and transparency in the educational assessment process. By requiring schools to report local assessments and standardizing the universal screener, they believe it will ensure all students are assessed fairly and consistently across the state.

Critics of the bill contend that it limits local control over education and may hinder schools' ability to address the unique needs of their students. They argue that removing the option for alternative screeners could reduce the effectiveness of assessments and ultimately impact student learning and performance.

The analysis of HB2277, which pertains to educational assessments in Tennessee public schools, indicates a low risk of conflict of interest for the sponsor, Scott Cepicky. His documented personal financial interests are primarily in the real estate sector, with employment as a real estate agent at Crye-Leike Realtors. This occupation does not have a direct or indirect connection to the educational policies or assessments outlined in the bill. Additionally, the employment of his spouse at First Bank does not present any apparent conflict with the educational focus of the legislation. The bill's impact on public school assessment procedures does not intersect with real estate or banking industries, further minimizing potential conflicts.

Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.

Items marked "AI-researched" are generated from public sources but have not been independently verified. Verified data is sourced from official legislature websites and disclosure filings.