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SB 808

State Employees - As introduced, authorizes an employee who has been employed full-time with this state for at least 12 months to receive up to 15 hours of paid leave for certain qualified volunteer work. - Amends TCA Title 8.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jeff Yarbro

Tennessee bill grants state employees up to 15 annual paid hours for qualified volunteer work, increasing civic engagement while adding costs to state budgets.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate State and Local Government Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 808

Legislative bill overview

SB 808 authorizes Tennessee state employees who have worked full-time for at least 12 months to take up to 15 hours of paid leave annually to engage in qualified volunteer work. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 8 (which governs state personnel and employment) to create this new benefit.

Why is this important

This policy affects thousands of state employees and represents a shift toward supporting civic engagement and community service. It could increase volunteer participation in nonprofits and community organizations while potentially improving employee morale and retention, though it also creates new costs for state government through paid time off.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: The bill requires the state to pay employees while they volunteer, creating a direct budget impact across all state agencies that employ full-time staff
  • Definition of "qualified volunteer work": The bill doesn't specify which organizations or activities qualify, leaving implementation details unclear and potentially subject to administrative interpretation
  • Equity concerns: Only full-time employees with 12+ months tenure qualify, potentially excluding part-time workers and newer employees who may also value volunteer opportunities

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

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