NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A bill expanding the Tennessee's school voucher program is heading to Gov. Bill Lee's desk after lawmakers passed it on the fourth day of a special session in Nashville. Senators passed the universal school voucher bill in a 20-13 vote Thursday afternoon after debate and discussion about its possible impact on the state.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, who has criticized the federal government for "excessive overreach," said the U.S. Education Department should be eliminated during Donald Trump's second term as president. (Courtesy TN.gov) The House and the Senate passed the Education Freedom Act, legislation championed by Gov. Bill Lee.

Tennessee parents, teachers and other stakeholders feel left out of Gov. Bill Lee's effort to pass universal school vouchers in a special session.

Fox 17 provides local news, weather, sports, traffic and entertainment for Nashville and nearby towns and communities in Middle Tennessee, including Forest Hills, Brentwood, Franklin, Fairview, Dickson,

The Senate sponsor defended the voucher proposal against critics who said it favors affluent families: “It shouldn’t be based on income. It should be universal.”

The school voucher program passed at the Tennessee State Capitol but not everyone is celebrating it becoming law.

The legislation could mean jail time and a fine for those supporting sanctuary policies designed to protect migrants.

A bill filed for school vouchers for Tennessee students has transitioned for a special session, finally mapping out the funding for how the initiative would even work.

The bill seeks to criminalize local officials who support sanctuary policies for immigrants along with other measures in an effort to support Donald Trump's enforcement policies.

Leaders of multiple East Tennessee public school districts are sharing reactions to the decision of state lawmakers to approve Governor Bill Lee’s statewide expansion of school vouchers.

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris is lobbying lawmakers to drop the state takeover, hoping cooler heads will prevail.