Bill > SB1722

This bill establishes new parental leave policies for public school classroom teachers in Texas, requiring school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to provide paid and unpaid leave options. For teachers who have been employed for at least 12 months and worked 1,250 hours, the bill mandates 40 days of paid leave for the birth of their own child and 20 days of paid leave for the birth of their spouse's child or for child adoption, in alignment with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). For teachers employed less than 12 months or who have worked fewer than 1,250 hours, the bill provides an unpaid leave option of up to 12 weeks for birth or adoption of a child under three years old, during which they must first use available paid vacation and sick leave. Additionally, the bill creates a "Teacher Families Allotment" that provides school districts with an annual financial allotment equal to the compensation paid to employees during their parental leave. These policies will take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, and school districts must adopt the required policies by September 1, 2025. Importantly, the bill specifies that these provisions do not create employment rights, confer protected status, or create a cause of action against school districts.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1722