Tennessee House Bill HB1357

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23
• Refer: 2/14/23
• Refer: 3/1/23
• Refer: 4/18/23
• Chaptered: 5/17/23
• Passed: 5/17/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 5, Part 7, relative to personal injury sustained by teachers.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1357 has the potential to significantly impact state laws related to teacher employment and safety, aligning benefits for educators with the realities they face during their employment. By mandating that LEAs maintain salary and benefit levels for teachers injured in the line of duty, this law strengthens the support systems in place for educators, which could encourage more individuals to enter or remain in the teaching profession, knowing that their welfare is considered a priority.

Summary

House Bill 1357 is a legislative act aimed at amending the Tennessee Code Annotated to provide support for teachers who suffer personal injuries due to physical assaults or violent criminal acts while performing their duties. The bill outlines provisions for the local education authorities (LEAs) to ensure that affected teachers receive their full salaries and benefits, including health insurance, until they are cleared by a physician to return to work or deemed permanently disabled. This aligns with a broader effort to enhance the welfare of educators under challenging conditions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1357 recognizes the importance of ensuring teacher safety and provides crucial benefits for those who experience violence at work. Generally, the reaction to the bill seems positive, particularly among educators and advocates for educational reform. They view the financial protections as necessary measures to retain teachers and enhance their morale. However, there may be concerns about the fiscal implications for LEAs and how they will manage these enhanced responsibilities in their budgets.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from some policymakers about the financial burden that may be placed on LEAs due to the requirement to provide full salary and benefits for an extended period. The bill does not require the payment of these benefits beyond one year, which some argue could still put a strain on local budgets, particularly in less affluent districts. Critics question whether the legislation goes far enough to address all safety concerns faced by teachers in increasingly volatile environments.