Below are bill numbers for key legislation we are working to advance as part of our 2025 legislative agenda.
Additional bills may be added to this list as the legislative session progresses.
Bereavement Leave Expansion
PASSED | Signed by Gov. Lee | Pub. Ch. 74
SB1285/HB1312 – Johnson/Lamberth
- Senate: Passed Senate, Ayes 30, Nays 0 – 3/10/2025
- House: Passed H., Ayes 92, Nays 0, PNV 1 – 3/17/2025
Legislative Intent: Expands bereavement leave for state employees:
- 3 days for death of sibling, grandparent, grandchild, foster parent, or parent-in-law
- 5 days for death of parent or stepparent
- 10 days for death of spouse, child, or stepchild
TSEA Notes: We are pleased to announce the passing of the bereavement leave expansion bill for state employees. The legislation has now become Public Chapter 74.
Paid Leave for Family Caregivers
PASSED | Awaiting Governor’s Signature
SB322/HB915 – Massey/Sparks
- Senate: Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 33, Nays 0 – 4/16/2025
- House: Passed H., Ayes 89, Nays 1, PNV 0 – 4/22/2025
TSEA Notes: Allows eligible state employees up to six (6) weeks of paid leave to care for a family member receiving hospice care. While more limited than originally proposed, this is a significant step forward in recognizing caregiving responsibilities.
Paid Leave for Fostering a Minor Child
BILL TAKEN OFF NOTICE
SB938/HB957 – Rose/Slater
- Senate: Referred to Senate State and Local Government Committee – 2/12/2025
- House: Assigned to s/c Public Service Subcommittee – 2/11/2025
TSEA Notes: We hope to build more support next year. Though it passed all committees last year, it failed on the House floor. Work continues to address legislators’ concerns.
Eliminating Barriers to Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
ACTION DEFERRED UNTIL 2026
SB1151/HB789 – Crowe/Vital
- Senate: Referred to Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee
- House: Action Deferred in s/c Higher Education Subcommittee to First Calendar of 2026 – 3/26/2025
TSEA Notes: This bill has been rolled to next year’s calendar.
TEAM Act Clarifications
BILL TAKEN OFF NOTICE
SB1006/HB1067 – Walley/Moody
- Senate: Taken off notice
- House: Taken off notice
TSEA Notes: Following discussions with DoHR, we opted to address the concerns through administrative means and requested our sponsors remove the bill from consideration.
Retiree Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Cap Removal
BILL FAILED IN SUBCOMMITTEE
SB1157/HB1296 – Kyle/Powell
- Senate: Referred to Senate State and Local Government Committee – 2/12/2025
- House: Failed in s/c Public Service Subcommittee
TSEA Notes: A negative recommendation from the Joint Council on Pensions contributed to the bill’s failure. Still, it launched valuable conversations with legislators. We thank members for their advocacy and will continue to pursue this issue.
Bills We Are Monitoring
State Employee Pay Period
PASSED | Signed by Gov. Lee | Pub. Ch. 82
SB1278/HB0108 – Johnson/Lamberth
- Senate: Passed Senate, Ayes 29, Nays 0 – 3/10/2025 (Signed by Senate Speaker – 3/19/2025)
- House: Passed H., Ayes 93, Nays 0, PNV 2 – 2/24/2025 (Signed by House Speaker – 3/19/2025)
TSEA Notes: The legislation requires that the pay period for state employees be no less than twice per month, as determined by the commissioner of finance and administration, and removes the requirement that the pay period be semimonthly. The legislation passed and has become Public Chapter 82.
Commissioner’s Compensation Plan for Correctional Officers Report
No Longer Monitoring
SB1201/HB1090
TSEA Notes: We are no longer monitoring this legislation; the bill as amended is no longer relevant to TSEA.
Establishment of Early Child Care and Education Division
BILL TAKEN OFF NOTICE
SB1378/HB1238 – Watson/Haston
- Senate: Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Education Committee – 3/26/2025
- House: Reset on Final Calendar of K-12 Subcommittee – 3/11/2025
TSEA Notes: The bill was taken off notice. TSEA does not support the current form and is working with DHS in opposition.
