The proposed bill, known as the Education Leave and Support Act, aims to establish a framework for supporting certificated teachers in Nebraska who take leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). It introduces a payroll fee of 0.35% on the taxable wages of covered employees, which school districts will collect and remit to the State Treasurer. This fee, along with an employer match, will fund the newly created State Education Leave Fund, designated for reimbursing school districts for the costs of hiring substitute teachers during the first six weeks of a covered employee's FMLA leave. The bill outlines the procedures for reimbursement applications, compliance reviews, and timely fund disbursement.

Additionally, the bill establishes the Education Retention Fund, which will receive surplus funds from the State Education Leave Fund if it exceeds 20% of its projected annual needs. This fund will be utilized to address teacher shortages and support professional development initiatives. The legislation also includes provisions for accountability, requiring school districts that misuse funds to repay them and face penalties, as well as mandating an annual audit of the State Education Leave Fund by the Auditor of Public Accounts.