State Rep. Tandy Darby Passes First Bill

State Rep. Tandy Darby, R-Greenfield, presents his first bill in the Tennessee House of Representatives on March 8. Darby’s bill requires the Tennessee Department of Education to survey local districts to determine if they have a sufficient number of licensed speech-language pathologists to meet students’ needs. Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, is pictured on right.[/caption]

NASHVILLE (March 9) – State Rep. Tandy Darby, R-Greenfield, officially passed his first bill as a member of the Tennessee General Assembly and the House Republican Caucus. The bill passed unanimously Monday, March 8.

House Bill 23 requires the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) to survey all local education agencies, public charter schools, and state special schools to determine whether there is a sufficient number of licensed speech-language pathologists in the public schools to adequately meet student needs. TDOE is required to report those findings to the education committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives by January 15, 2022.

“Speech-language pathologists play an important role in the educational experiences of many of our Tennessee students,” Darby said. “This bill will ensure that our students and speech-language pathologists are getting the support they deserve, and I applaud my colleagues for supporting this legislation,” he added.

Tandy Darby represents House District 76, which includes Weakley and part of Obion and Carroll Counties. He is a member of the Agriculture & Natural Resources, Calendar & Rules, and Education Administration Committees. He also serves on the Agriculture & Natural Resources and Higher Education Subcommittees. He can be reached at rep.tandy.darby@capitol.tn.gov or 615-741-7847.