TN SB1873

Overhauls the state employee appeal process by establishing a two-step system: employees must first file written appeals with their appointing authority within 14 calendar days, then may appeal to the Commissioner of Human Resources within 14 days if unsuccessful, with decisions due within 20 and 30 calendar days respectively

Restricts appeal rights to preferred service employees who have completed probation, explicitly excluding executive service employees from filing appeals regarding dismissal, demotion, or suspension

Changes mandatory hiring procedures to discretionary by replacing "shall" with "may" and allows the commissioner to adopt alternative hiring procedures when education/certification is unnecessary or standard procedures are impractical

Adds harassment, intimidation, or abuse of the hiring process as grounds for rejecting job applications

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