Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 2, Part 2.

Present law requires directors of schools to notify the school board whenever there is intent to hire a relative of an elected local official. Present law specifies that the notification requirement does not prohibit relatives from working for an LEA. If two or more employees who are relatives are within the same direct line of supervision, or become within the same direct line of supervision by marriage or promotion, present law requires the director of schools to attempt to transfer of one of the employees. If the director finds that transfer is not feasible or is not in the best interest of students, then an alternate evaluation plan must be devised for one of the employees.<br /> <br /> This bill adds a prohibition against an LEA employing a person who is a relative of the LEA's director of schools or a relative of a member of the LEA's local board of education unless the commissioner of education approves the relative's employment in writing. Such prohibition:<br /> <br /> (1) Applies to all offers of employment and employment decisions made by an LEA on or after July 1, 2021;<br /> <br /> (2) Does not affect offers of employment or employment decisions made by an LEA before July 1, 2021; and<br /> <br /> (3) Does not excuse a member of the LEA's local board of education or the LEA's director of schools from having to comply with the declaration and notice requirements of present law.<br />