Senate Bill 705, also known as House Bill 676, amends the Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance the employment conditions for teachers at state special schools. The bill modifies Section 49-50-1001(b)(2) to allow for the determination of salary and employment terms for these employees. It introduces new provisions that grant teachers at state special schools the same eligibility to accumulate and use leave as public school teachers, as well as eligibility for paid family leave. The definition of "teacher" is clarified to include licensed individuals employed at state special schools, excluding the chief administrative officer and certain state employees.

Additionally, the bill mandates that any salary increases for local education agencies (LEAs) where state special schools are located must also apply to the salary schedules of those special schools. It further stipulates that when the General Assembly allocates funds for public school teachers' salaries, similar amounts must be allocated for teachers at state special schools. The intent is to ensure equitable compensation and benefits for teachers across different educational settings. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to the 2025-2026 school year and subsequent years.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-50-1001(b)(2), 49-50-1001, 49-50-1003