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HB 1150

Public Employees - As enacted, authorizes an eligible education employee to qualify for paid leave during the legal process for adopting a newly placed minor child, specifically during that period of time beginning with the filing of a petition for adoption when a minor child is initially placed within the residence of a prospective adoptive parent pursuant to a court-ordered parental power of attorney or guardianship or custodial order until the issuance of a final order of adoption by the court. - Amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 50; Title 36 and Title 37, Chapter 1.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Larry Miller

Tennessee law allows education employees paid leave during adoption proceedings from child placement through court finalization.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 163
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Bill Summary · HB 1150

Legislative bill overview

HB 1150 authorizes eligible education employees in Tennessee to take paid leave during the adoption legal process for newly placed minor children. The leave period extends from when a child is initially placed in the employee's home (via court order) through the finalization of the adoption by the court.

Why is this important

This policy addresses a practical gap for teachers and school staff adopting children by allowing them to manage legal proceedings and facilitate family bonding without losing income. Adoption involves significant court appearances, paperwork, and transition periods that previously required employees to use vacation days or unpaid leave, creating financial hardship during family formation.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and fiscal impact: School districts must absorb wages for absent employees; fiscal analysis needed to determine statewide burden on education budgets
  • Definition ambiguity: "Eligible education employee" requires clarification—does it cover all school staff or only certain positions, and could this create equity issues between employee categories
  • Leave duration uncertainty: The bill ties leave to court processes, which vary in length; no specified maximum could create unpredictable staffing challenges for districts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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