Bill > SB237

This bill introduces a comprehensive paid parental leave policy for public school employees and expands prekindergarten eligibility. The bill allows school districts and charter schools to adopt a paid parental leave policy that provides eight consecutive weeks of leave for primary caregivers and four consecutive weeks for spouses, with eligibility requirements including full-time employment for at least 12 months and leave to be taken within six months of a child's birth or adoption. The policy must be used concurrently with federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provisions and cannot require employees to use other paid leave first. Additionally, the bill expands prekindergarten eligibility to include children of classroom teachers, and creates a "Healthy Families Allotment" that reimburses school districts for the compensation of employees taking paid parental leave. The Texas Education Agency is required to submit biennial reports on the implementation and impact of the paid parental leave policy, including data on employee participation, costs, and future projections. The provisions will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, pending legislative approval.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB237