Bill > SB0322

This bill amends Tennessee state employee leave policies to provide up to six workweeks of paid leave for eligible employees caring for a family member with a serious health condition, with several key provisions. An "eligible employee" is defined as a full-time state employee who has worked for at least twelve consecutive months in specific state entities, and "family member" includes child, spouse, parent, or grandchild (if the grandparent has custody). The bill specifies that these six workweeks of paid leave do not need to be taken consecutively and can be used on a reduced schedule or intermittently, similar to provisions in the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. Employees must provide thirty days' notice when possible, or as soon as reasonably practicable if the need for leave is discovered with less notice. The bill also clarifies that an employee can receive no more than six workweeks of paid leave in a twelve-month period, even if multiple qualifying events occur. For birth or adoption-related leave, the time must be used within twelve months of the event. Notably, the bill includes a provision allowing employees who are caring for a family member with a serious health condition prior to January 1, 2026, to continue using their remaining federal Family and Medical Leave Act entitlement after that date. The legislation will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0322&ga=114