H.B. No. 2485 introduces a new provision to the Texas Education Code that mandates school districts to provide their employees with a minimum of two days of paid leave per year specifically for wellness purposes. This new leave is in addition to any other leave days already provided by the school district or under existing law. Importantly, the bill stipulates that these wellness leave days cannot be accumulated or deducted from an employee's existing personal leave. Furthermore, school districts are required to establish policies regarding the use of this leave, including the procedures for processing and documenting the leave taken. Notably, the bill prohibits school districts from requiring documentation for the wellness leave.

The provisions of this bill will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year. It will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote from both houses of the Texas Legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 22.003 (Education Code 22)