The 114th General Assembly this week resumed their regular legislative session business following a short break and a special session called by Governor Bill Lee.
Legislation we’re working to advance:
The bill filing deadline was yesterday (Thursday, Feb. 6), and we are happy to be able to share bill numbers in this update for some of the legislation we will work to advance this year.
Upcoming Events:
Please be sure to mark your calendars for our Lobby Day event on April 8, and if you live in Northeast TN, don’t miss our Northeast Regional Legislative Breakfast on March 8.
Gov. Lee’s State of the State address:
On Monday evening, Gov. Bill Lee will deliver his seventh State of the State address, where he will outline his 2025 priorities and present his proposed budget. TSEA will attend the event and will report back next week on any proposals that impact our members.
The event begins Monday, Feb. 10, at 6 p.m. CST
Here’s where to watch live:
YouTube: YouTube.com/GovBillLee
Facebook: facebook.com/GovBillLee
Legislative Bills
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.
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Support 6 weeks of paid leave if employee becomes a foster parent to a minor child
SB0938/HB0957 Rose / Slater
Senate: Filed for introduction, 02/05/2025
House: Filed for introduction, 02/04/2025
Legislative Intent:
To support state employees with up to 6 weeks of paid leave, if they become a foster parent to a minor.
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Eliminating barriers to Higher Education for students with intellectual disabilities
SB1151/HB0789 Crowe / Vital
Senate: Filed for introduction, 02/06/2025
House: Filed for introduction, 02/04/2025
Legislative Intent:
To further support students with intellectual disabilities by eliminating the requirement of the STEP UP scholarship that the student must be admitted to, and enrolled in, an eligible postsecondary institution in an eligible postsecondary program no later than 16 months after completing high school.
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Clarifications to TEAM Act (TCA § 8-30-318)
SB1006/HB1067 Walley / Moody
Senate: Filed for introduction, 02/05/2025
House: Filed for introduction, 02/05/2025
Legislative Intent:
To create a mechanism to hold all parties involved in the appeal process accountable, whether for meeting timely or for the repayment of costs associated with the review/decision of an employee’s discipline. And, clearly define “extraordinary circumstances” and provide criteria for extensions without requiring both parties’ agreement.
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Remove the TCRS cap of 3% to aid in more adequate COLA adjustments for retirees, when state funding is available
SB1157/HB1296 Kyle / Powell (House Bill number to come)
Senate: Filed for introduction, 02/06/2025
House: Filed for introduction, 02/06/2025
Legislative Intent:
Remove the TCRS cap of 3% COLA adjustment for retirees so that when the State has a good fiscal year and inflation rises above 3%, the state can increase the COLA adjustment beyond 3%.
TSEA’s 2025 Legislative Agenda
- Supporting 6 weeks of paid leave if an employee becomes a foster parent to a minor child.
- Permanently increase the 401K match to $100.
- Initiate clarifications to the TEAM Act.
- Removing the TCRS cap of 3% to aid in more adequate COLA adjustments for retirees, when state funding is better.
- Expand funding for students with intellectual disabilities.
- Restore Longevity.
Additional items:
- Higher Ed: Work with state higher education institutions to standardize definitions and ensure the inclusion of professional staff in grievance policies across all public colleges and universities.
- Continue supporting the funding of market research/studies for employee pay increases.
Other Concerns Being Researched:
- Compression from salary range movement.
- Unfair hiring practices within some departments in state government.
- Contracting Practices
- Implementation of TDOT’s EPIC (Empowering People Influencing Culture) and hazardous pay via activity codes.
Important Links to Bookmark
- Legislative Schedules and Calendars: Stay updated on session schedules and access livestream links by visiting the Legislative Schedules and Calendars page.
- Find Your Elected Legislator: Use your address to locate your representatives here.
- House Members Directory: View the full list of House members.
- Senate Members Directory: View the full list of Senate members.
- Bills We’re Advancing or Monitoring: Stay informed about legislation we’re supporting or tracking by visiting the 2025 Legislation page.
- Legislative Updates: Access our weekly insights and highlights as they are published here.
- TSEA Historical Legislative Accomplishments: CLICK HERE to view TSEA’s Historical Legislative Accomplishments and complete Lobby Record.
Lobby Day
Our 2025 Lobby Day will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Nashville, TN. Information was sent to chapter officers this week. Officers, check your inbox for registration details.
If you are not a chapter officer and are interested in attending Lobby Day, please contact your chapter for more details (your field rep can put you in contact with your local chapter leadership).
Don’t know your field rep and/or chapter information? Visit the chapter page on our website and select the county where you live using the dropdown box to learn your chapter and for your field rep’s contact information. https://tseaonline.org/chapters/
Northeast Legislative Breakfast
TSEA is excited to announce we are holding the Northeast Regional Legislative Breakfast in Elizabethton on Saturday, Mar. 8, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
Our regional legislative events allow TSEA members to hear directly from their state legislators in person and in their own communities. These events allow our members priority access to their state elected officials outside their hectic state legislature schedules.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
TSEA’s Northeast TN Legislative Event
Saturday, Mar. 8, 2025
9:00 a.m.
Elizabethton TCAT
426 Highway 91 North
Elizabethton, TN 37643
Questions about the Northeast Legislative Breakfast?
CLICK HERE to email Bryan Merritt
