Senate Bill 687, also known as House Bill 656, amends Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance transparency regarding waivers granted to local education agencies (LEAs). Specifically, it introduces a requirement for the commissioner to publish the number of waivers granted to LEAs on the department's website by June 1, 2025, and annually thereafter. This aims to provide better oversight and accountability in the education system.

Additionally, the bill revises Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-5-717, by removing the existing language and replacing it with provisions that allow LEAs and public charter schools to compensate the estates of employees who die while employed, for their unused and accrued annual and sick leave. This compensation will follow the same procedures as those for deceased state employees. Furthermore, employees are permitted to designate a beneficiary for these payments, which will default to the same beneficiary designated for retirement benefits unless specified otherwise. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-1-104(i), 49-1-104
Amended with HA0815 -- 04/13/2026: 49-1-104(i), 49-1-104, 49-5-717