TN SB0517The bill allows schools in Tennessee to use up to four days of hybrid learning instead of traditional classroom instruction when there are dangerous weather conditions or emergencies. This decision will be made by school leaders. The aim is to ensure that students can continue learning safely during challenging situations.
TN SB0517 is a senate bill in the Tennessee 114th General Assembly, sponsored by Raumesh Akbari (D), currently “Passed” since May 27, 2025.
We track 9,160 Tennessee bills this session, 237 of them sponsored by Raumesh Akbari.
Supporters of the bill argue that it provides flexibility for schools to adapt to emergencies while ensuring that students do not fall behind in their education. By allowing hybrid learning, the bill prioritizes student safety and maintains educational continuity during extreme weather events.
Critics of the bill may express concern that hybrid learning could lead to disparities in educational quality, especially for students without access to technology at home. They might argue that relying on hybrid instruction during emergencies could undermine the effectiveness of in-person learning and disrupt students' educational experiences.
The bill SB0517, which allows local education agencies and public charter schools to provide hybrid learning during extreme weather or emergencies, does not present any direct conflicts with the personal financial interests of its sponsor, Raumesh Akbari. Her primary occupation as an attorney and her involvement with various organizations do not intersect with the educational policies or the operational aspects of schools affected by this legislation. Additionally, her businesses, including Akbari Law and the Akbari Corporation, do not appear to have a direct financial stake in the education sector or in the implementation of hybrid learning models.
Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.
| Type | Description | Industry | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupation | Attorney | Lawyers/Law Firms | AI-researched |
| Employer | Self-employed at Akbari Law | — | TN Legislature bio |
| Board Member | Board member of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators | — | AI-researched |
| Employer | AKBARI CORPORATION | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | DELIVER THE AMERICAN DREAM | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Occupation | Law, HAIR, COSMETOLOGY, BEAUTY, PUBLIC POLICY | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Asset | Leadership PAC: AKBARI PAC | — | TN Ethics Commission |
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.
About This Analysis
This summary was generated using AI from the bill's official text and metadata. Data sourced from LegiScan and the Tennessee General Assembly. Conflict analysis examines the sponsor's personal financial interests for potential overlaps with the bill's subject matter.
What does TN SB0517 do?
The bill allows schools in Tennessee to use up to four days of hybrid learning instead of traditional classroom instruction when there are dangerous weather conditions or emergencies. This decision will be made by school leaders. The aim is to ensure that students can continue learning safely during challenging situations.
What is the status of TN SB0517?
TN SB0517 is currently “Passed” in the Tennessee legislature.
Who sponsored TN SB0517?
Raumesh Akbari (D) sponsored TN SB0517.
