State Employees - As introduced, enacts the "Parental Right to Participate in Schools Act," which entitles a state employee to up to 48 hours of annual paid or unpaid leave to attend school-related activities of a dependent child. - Amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 50.

SB 1974, the "Parental Right to Participate in Schools Act," allows Tennessee state employees to take up to 48 hours annually for school-related activities of a dependent child, such as parent-teacher conferences or sporting events. Employees may use paid leave (like vacation days) or unpaid leave at their discretion, but must provide at least 10 days' advance written notice unless the event was unforeseeable. Employers must post notice of this policy in the workplace and face $100 daily fines for failing to do so, while the Department of Labor enforces compliance. The bill directly affects all Tennessee state employees with dependent children and amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 50, to create this leave entitlement. It takes effect July 1, 2026.