The bill, S.B. No. 183, amends the Education Code by adding a new section, 22.0031, which provides classroom teachers with personal leave specifically for the purpose of testifying at public hearings held by local, state, or federal governmental entities. Under this new provision, teachers are entitled to a minimum of two days of leave for this purpose, in addition to any other leave days they may already have under Section 22.003 or provided by their school district. Importantly, the days taken under this new section will not be deducted from a teacher's accumulated personal leave.

The bill is set to take effect at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, and it will be enacted immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote from all elected members in both houses of the legislature. If the necessary vote for immediate effect is not achieved, the bill will still take effect on September 1, 2025.

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