House Bill 1253, also known as Senate Bill 1410, proposes amendments to Tennessee Code Annotated concerning public schools. One significant change is the increase in the number of work weeks of paid leave from "twenty (20)" to "thirty (30)" in Section 49-3-312(a). Additionally, the bill modifies Section 8-50-814(d) by deleting the previous subdivision (2) and replacing it with a new provision that mandates the six (6) work weeks of paid leave to be taken consecutively, unless there are extenuating circumstances approved by the director of schools or the director of the public charter school. This leave must be utilized within twelve (12) months following the birth, stillbirth, or adoption of a minor child.

The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, emphasizing the importance of providing adequate leave for employees in public schools during significant life events such as childbirth or adoption. The changes aim to enhance the support for employees while ensuring that the leave is taken in a structured manner.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-3-312(a), 49-3-312, 8-50-814(d), 8-50-814