Tennessee Senate Bill SB1410

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/25
• Chaptered: 4/28/25
• Passed: 4/28/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 8-50-814; Title 49, Chapter 6 and Title 49, Chapter 3, Part 3, relative to public schools.

Summary

This bill makes two changes affecting public schools and school employees in Tennessee. First, it increases the amount of time a school district may retain certain state education funds from 20 days to 30 days under Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-3-312(a). Second, it revises the rules governing the six work weeks of paid leave available to eligible school employees under Section 8-50-814. Under the leave provision, local boards of education and public charter governing bodies must adopt a policy requiring the six weeks of paid leave to be taken consecutively, unless the director of schools or charter school director approves an exception for extenuating circumstances. If taken non-consecutively, the leave must be used in increments of at least one week. The bill also requires that the leave be used within 12 months of the birth or stillbirth of the employee's child or the adoption of a newly placed minor child. The act takes effect July 1, 2025.

Impact

The bill amends Tennessee law governing school finance and employee leave. It extends the period for retaining certain education funds and imposes statewide minimum policy requirements on local school boards and public charter governing bodies regarding how paid parental leave is scheduled and used. Affected parties include public school districts, charter schools, school administrators, and eligible employees receiving paid leave after birth, stillbirth, or adoption.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests broad support for the measure, with the Senate Education Committee recommending passage unanimously, 9-0. The bill was enacted as Public Chapter No. 296, indicating it ultimately received favorable consideration in both chambers and from the governor. No committee transcript is available, so the record reflects support more than detailed debate.

Contention

The main policy issue appears to be how much flexibility employees should have in using the six weeks of paid leave. The bill generally requires leave to be taken consecutively or in week-long blocks, while allowing exceptions only in extenuating circumstances approved by school leadership. Another possible point of concern is the requirement that leave be used within 12 months, which limits carryover or delayed use. No explicit opposition is shown in the available committee vote record.