HB 846 requires school districts to adopt parental leave policies for classroom teachers who have been employed by the district for fewer than 12 months or worked less than 1,250 hours in the previous 12 months. Eligible teachers, having met service requirements in any Texas district, can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave after exhausting all paid vacation and sick leave. The leave begins on the date of birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. The law applies to the 2025–2026 school year and takes effect immediately upon legislative approval, or on September 1, 2025​.