HB793 & HB1711 Updates: Action Items for This Week

Dear friends,

Last week, the Capitol was packed with advocates, families, students, and community members standing together. Lawmakers were able to see firsthand how deeply our communities care about ensuring that every child has access to education without fear. Showing up in such numbers sent a powerful message: Tennesseans are paying attention and will continue to stand up for immigrant families and students.

Thank you to everyone who took action this past week, those who showed up, mobilized, and made calls.

Despite this powerful showing of community support, the two bills we are opposing continue to move forward in the legislature. HB793 and HB1711 are both scheduled to be heard in committee again this week, and it is critical that we continue to mobilize. Lawmakers need to keep hearing from community members through calls, emails, and continued presence at the Capitol.

HB793 will be heard Tuesday at 3:00 PM in the House Full Finance Committee. This is the last opportunity to stop the bill before it moves to a full floor vote.

HB1711 will be heard Wednesday at 1:30 PM in the House State & Local Committee. 

These bills threaten students’ access to public education, put families at risk, and undermine trust in our schools and communities. Every child deserves access to education without fear, and families should not have to worry that enrolling their child in school could expose them to immigration enforcement.

This is a critical moment for immigrant students in Tennessee and for communities across the country if federal protections around access to education are challenged through legislation like this.

Here’s how you can take action:

Join the Phone Bank Today

Help call voters and encourage them to contact their legislators. You don’t need prior experience, just a willingness to help. Sign up here.

Show Up at the Capitol

Advocates will be mobilizing in Nashville on Wednesday 3/11 as these bills move through committee. When legislators see a full room, it sends a powerful message that our communities are paying attention and standing together. RSVP here

TIRRC will also be hosting their East TN Immigrant Day on the Hill THIS WEEK on Wednesday, March 11th. If you live in East Tennessee and want to meet with your elected representatives, you can sign RSVP here.

Contact Your Legislator

It only takes a few minutes to make your voice heard. Call or email your State Representative and Senator and ask them to oppose HB793 and HB1711.

When you call or email:

• Introduce yourself and where you live.

• Ask them to oppose HB793 and HB1711.

• Share briefly why protecting access to education matters to you.
  

Our collective advocacy is making an impact. Legislators are hearing from communities across Tennessee, and it is critical that we continue showing up and speaking out.

At a time that can feel overwhelming, thank you for standing with our community and continuing this work together.

With gratitude,

Stacy Johnson President & CEO La Paz Chattanooga