TN HB0632

Grants eligible Tennessee state employees 15 hours of paid volunteer leave per year after completing one full year of consecutive full-time service, subject to department head and human resources commissioner approval.

Eligible employees must work at least 1,600 hours per fiscal year; part-time employees, temporary employees (under 6 months), seasonal employees, and emergency employees are excluded.

Volunteer leave may only be used for unpaid volunteer activities with nonprofit organizations, schools, or community initiatives, requiring prior supervisor approval and written verification of hours within 7 days.

Employees must provide at least 14 days' notice for leave requests; volunteer leave is non-cumulative, separate from sick or annual leave, and employers must maintain healthcare benefits during leave.

Prohibits employer retaliation against employees using volunteer leave; violations may result in administrative penalties from the Department of Human Resources. Effective July 1, 2025.