Tennessee
Tennessee lawmaker proposes stricter internet safety rules for schools
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A bill aimed at tightening internet safety policies in Tennessee schools is set to be heard by the Tennessee House Education Committee tomorrow.
Supporters say the legislation would strengthen and update acceptable use policies for students in both traditional public and charter schools across the state.
Lawmakers backing the measure argue that while the internet is a powerful educational tool, it can also expose young students to harmful content if not properly monitored.
The proposal, sponsored by State Representative Scott Cepicky, would require public and charter schools to review their internet use policies twice a year and make updates as needed.
Under the bill, schools would be required to block student access to certain prohibited material while using school internet networks and actively monitor how students use the web.
Cheryl Benson, a parent of a child attending a Metro public school, said she supports the proposed changes based on her own experience.
“She was watching videos including murder videos saying you will never sleep again and eat babies,” Benson said, describing content she discovered her child had accessed at school.
If passed, the legislation would also require schools to notify parents or guardians if a student under 18 accesses a website on school internet that violates district policy.
Rep. Cepicky has indicated he plans to amend the bill so the new requirements would take effect during the 2027–2028 school year, giving school districts additional time to prepare and implement the changes.
The measure is expected to generate discussion among lawmakers, educators, and parents as it moves through the legislative process.
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Big hearts, small hands! Tennessee kids are stepping up to make a big difference this summer.
First Lady Maria Lee on Tuesday announced the eighth annual Tennessee Kids Serve Summer Challenge, encouraging young students to dedicate part of their summer to helping others.
The program, part of the Tennessee Serves initiative, runs from June 1 through Aug. 1 and is open to rising kindergarteners through rising sixth graders across the state.
Participants must complete at least two hours of service across two of eight designated categories to finish the challenge, with top participants earning an invitation to a September carnival at the Tennessee Residence.
Since its launch in 2019, more than 3,500 children have contributed over 15,000 hours of service through activities ranging from park cleanups to assisting nursing homes and raising funds for disaster relief.
Registration opened Tuesday, with parents and guardians able to sign up participants and access additional details through the First Lady’s official website.
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A bill moving through the Tennessee Legislature could reshape how pharmacies do business in the state, with CVS warning it could lead to widespread store closures.
The Tennessee Senate has passed legislation that would change the way pharmacies can operate. The proposal has been dubbed “the CVS bill” because it directly impacts the drugstore chain.
Under the bill, drugstores would no longer be allowed to negotiate prices directly with insurance providers or government programs. Instead, a third party would be required to step in.
The bill is now under debate in the House. CVS says the change would force more than 100 of its pharmacies to close across Tennessee, but lawmakers disagree.
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