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.

SB 237 establishes a voluntary paid parental leave policy for public school employees in Texas, allowing full-time staff to take up to eight weeks of paid leave following a child's birth, adoption, or birth via surrogate (four weeks for spouses of primary caregivers). School districts adopting this policy must cover the full cost of leave, with the state providing an annual allotment equal to the employee's compensation during leave under the Foundation School Program. The bill also adds a new eligibility category for free prekindergarten programs: children of public school teachers. These changes apply starting the 2025-2026 school year.