It was another active week for our legislative priorities, with key bills advancing and important discussions taking place on policies impacting state employees.
Here are this week’s updates:
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Early Childhood Program Transfer Proposal (SB1378/HB1238)
DHS has serious concerns with this legislation that would move Early Childhood programs from DHS to the Department of Education (DOE). TSEA remains concerned about the impact on state employees, as the proposal does not specify what will happen to affected employees if the transition occurs.
The bill is scheduled this week as follows:
Senate: Education Committee, Wednesday, 3/19/2025, 3:00 p.m. CDT
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Bereavement Leave Expansion (SB1285/HB1312)
This bill has passed both houses – the TN House passed the bill earlier this evening (3/17/25), and the TN Senate passed this bill last week (3/10/25). The bill now moves on to the Governor.
The legislation expands bereavement leave for state employees as follows:
- 3 days of paid leave for death of a sibling, grandparent, grandchild, foster parent, or parent-in-law
- 5 days of paid leave for the death of a parent or stepparent
- 10 days of paid leave for the death of a spouse, child, or stepchild
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Paid Leave for Family Caregivers (SB0322/HB0915)
This bill grants up to six work weeks of leave for employees caring for a family member with a serious health condition.
The bill is scheduled this week as follows:
Senate: State and Local Government Committee: Tuesday, 3/18/25, 10:30 a.m. CDT
House: State and Local Government Committee: Wednesday, 3/19/25, 1:30 p.m. CDT
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TEAM Act Clarifications (SB1006/HB1067)
We have had ongoing discussions with the Department of Human Resources (DoHR) regarding this legislation. TSEA leadership continues to work with the Commissioner and legislative liaisons on the best path forward.
The bill is scheduled this week as follows:
Senate: State and Local Government Committee: Tuesday, 3/18/25, 10:30 a.m. CDT (We expect the bill to be rolled one week in the Senate to 3/25/25)
House: Public Service Subcommittee: Wednesday, 3/19/2025, 10:30 a.m CDT
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Retiree Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Cap Removal (SB1157/HB1296)
The Joint Council on Pensions issued a negative recommendation on this bill. However, it will still be heard in the House Public Service Subcommittee this week. While this bill faces a challenging road ahead, we are pleased to have started the conversation and appreciate the research and advocacy efforts of our TSEA members on this issue.
The bill is scheduled this week as follows:
House: Public Service Subcommittee: Wednesday, 3/19/2025, 10:30 a.m CDT
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Paid Leave for Fostering a Minor Child (SB0938/HB0957)
We continue to actively work with other advocacy groups to push for the passage of this legislation. There remains some uncertainty from legislators, but we are working to address those concerns in hopes of securing passage this year. Last year, the bill advanced through all committees but failed on the House floor. No activity is scheduled on this bill this week.
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Eliminating Barriers to Higher Education for students with intellectual disabilities (SB1151/HB0789)
The intent of this legislation is 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.
The bill is scheduled this week as follows:
Senate: Education Committee: Wednesday, 3/19/2025, 3:00 p.m. CDT
Legislative Bills
CLICK HERE for the lastest update to 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.
Lobby Day
Our 2025 Lobby Day will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Nashville, TN. Registration for Lobby Day is now closed.
With the legislative session expected to wrap up in mid-to-late April, we are preparing for Lobby Day on April 8. Our key advocacy priorities will focus on:
- Restoring longevity pay for all state employees
- Increasing the state’s 401(k) match from $50 to $100
We look forward to seeing everyone next month!
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.
