House Bill 676 amends Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance the employment conditions for teachers at state special schools. The bill allows the Department of Education to determine the salary and terms of employment for these employees while ensuring that teachers are eligible to accumulate and use leave similarly to public school teachers. Additionally, it introduces eligibility for paid family leave for teachers at state special schools. The definition of "teacher" is clarified to include licensed individuals employed at these schools, excluding the chief administrative officer and certain state employees.

Furthermore, 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 requires that when the General Assembly allocates funds for salaries, raises, or bonuses for public school teachers, equivalent amounts must be provided for teachers at state special schools. 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