Senate Bill 322 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 8-50-813, to enhance the provisions regarding paid leave for state employees. The bill stipulates that eligible employees are entitled to six workweeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child, or for caring for a family member with a serious health condition, provided they give thirty days' notice to their appointing authority. If the employee is unable to provide thirty days' notice due to unforeseen circumstances, they must notify as soon as reasonably possible. Additionally, the bill clarifies that this absence will be considered full-time employment for the purpose of calculating service anniversary dates.

The bill also establishes that employees cannot take more than six workweeks of paid leave within a twelve-month period, regardless of the number of qualifying events. This leave can be taken intermittently or on a reduced schedule, in accordance with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. Furthermore, the definitions of "eligible employee," "family member," and "serious health condition" are expanded to provide clarity on who qualifies for leave under this section. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 8-50-813(a), 8-50-813, 8-50-813(d), 8-50-813(e)