Tennessee § 49-3-368 - Funds for internet funding or connectivity — Administration — Eligibility — Rules and regulations.

§ 49-3-368. Funds for internet funding or connectivity — Administration — Eligibility — Rules and regulations.

Beginning with the 2008-2009 fiscal year, all funds appropriated for internet funding or internet connectivity funding shall be administered by the department of education and shall be distributed to LEAs pursuant to an equitable formula adopted by the department that recognizes the impact of federal E-Rate funding. This formula shall be used to distribute all funds designated for internet services in lieu of the BEP funding formula. LEAs shall have the authority to expend the funds authorized by this part for services provided by any qualified vendor properly selected in accordance with local procurement regulations. To be eligible for any funding distributed under this part, technology, internet, internet connectivity, or e-learning services shall be purchased pursuant to a competitive process prescribed by a request for proposal (RFP). The state board of education is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this part. The rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Acts 2008, ch. 938, § 1; 2011, ch. 410, § 4(k); 2015, ch. 182, § 33; 2015, ch. 312, § 1; 2018, ch. 725, § 29. Compiler's Notes. For the Preamble to the act concerning the prohibition against establishment of a special committee if there is a standing committee on the same subject, please refer to Acts 2011, ch. 410.