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HB 1312

State Employees - As enacted, expands bereavement leave for certain state officers and employees upon the death of certain relatives. - Amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 50, Part 1.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by William Lamberth

Tennessee expands paid bereavement leave for state employees to include additional relatives, effective after legislative passage in April 2025.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 74
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Bill Summary · HB 1312

Legislative bill overview

HB 1312 expands bereavement leave eligibility for Tennessee state employees and officers by broadening the definition of qualifying relatives whose death entitles workers to paid time off. The bill modifies the existing bereavement leave statute under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 8, Chapter 50, Part 1.

Why is this important

Bereavement leave policies directly affect employee well-being and workplace flexibility during personal crises. Expanding eligibility recognizes diverse family structures and obligations, potentially reducing financial hardship for employees managing family deaths while maintaining work responsibilities. This also reflects evolving definitions of family beyond traditional nuclear household models.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to state budget: Extended bereavement leave increases payroll expenses as more employees qualify for paid time off, requiring fiscal analysis of implementation costs across state agencies.
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill language doesn't specify which additional relatives qualify (stepparents, in-laws, extended family), creating potential inconsistency in application across departments.
  • Competitive fairness: Private sector employees typically receive more limited bereavement leave, raising questions about whether state employee benefits should exceed comparable private-sector standards.

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

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