TX
Texas Senate Bill SB237

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB237

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to a public school paid parental leave policy, an allotment under the Foundation School Program for the cost of providing paid parental leave under that policy, and the eligibility of certain children for free prekindergarten programs.

Impact

The bill also introduces an annual financial allotment from the Foundation School Program for each employee taking paid leave, which equals the amount of their compensation during the leave period. This is intended to ease the financial burden on schools while ensuring that employees can take essential time off to care for their new children. The provisions are set to take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, emphasizing the long-term planning necessary for educational institutions to adjust their staffing and budgets accordingly.

Summary

SB237 proposes new provisions regarding paid parental leave for full-time employees in public schools and open-enrollment charter schools in Texas. Specifically, it allows these institutions to adopt parental leave policies that provide up to eight weeks of paid leave for primary caregivers and four weeks for spouses. This measure acknowledges the importance of supporting employees during significant family events such as childbirth or adoption, aiming to enhance employee satisfaction and retention within the education sector.

Contention

Notably, the bill may face some challenges related to its implementation, especially regarding the financial implications for school districts. Critics may raise concerns over budget allocations and prioritize other educational needs, arguing that funding paid parental leave could divert resources from other crucial areas. Furthermore, debate may arise over the extent to which such policies would be adopted uniformly across different districts, given the variance in available resources and local governance structures.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 22. School District Employees And Volunteers
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 48. Foundation School Program
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 29. Educational Programs
    • Section: 153

Companion Bills

TX HB4704

Identical Relating to a public school paid parental leave policy, an allotment under the Foundation School Program for the cost of providing paid parental leave under that policy, and the eligibility of certain children for free prekindergarten programs.

Previously Filed As

TX SB13

Relating to a paid parental leave policy at public schools and an allotment under the Foundation School Program for the cost of providing paid parental leave under that policy.

TX SB350

Relating to a paid parental leave policy at public schools and an allotment under the Foundation School Program for the cost of providing paid parental leave under that policy.

TX SB52

Relating to a paid parental leave policy at public schools and an allotment under the Foundation School Program for the cost of providing paid parental leave under that policy.

TX SB58

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators and assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX SB9

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB4188

Relating to the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, including financial and other assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB11

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB2923

Relating to the operation of free prekindergarten programs by certain school districts and to the early education allotment under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB3318

Relating to the eligibility of certain children enrolled in a special education program for free prekindergarten programs in public schools.

TX SB1977

Relating to the eligibility of certain children enrolled in a special education program for free prekindergarten programs in public schools.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.