TN HB2540

Overhauls the state employee appeal process by establishing a two-step procedure with strict deadlines: employees must file appeals within 14 calendar days, appointing authorities must respond within 20 days, and the commissioner of human resources must issue final decisions within 30 days

Eliminates appeal rights for executive service employees while preserving them only for preferred service employees who have completed their probationary period

Expands paid parental and family leave to 6 workweeks for birth, adoption, or caring for a family member with a serious health condition, with 30 days' notice required

Grants state employees up to 5 paid workdays annually to participate in disaster relief efforts during governor-declared emergencies

Changes hiring authority from mandatory ("shall") to discretionary ("may") and allows rejection of job applicants who harass or abuse the hiring process