21-03-2025
Alabama lawmakers approve paid parental leave for teachers and state employees
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Alabama Public Employee Paid Parental Leave Act of 2025 now awaits the signature of Governor Kay Ivey after passing in the Alabama House Thursday. The bill had already passed in the Alabama Senate.
The legislation would offer up to eight weeks of maternity leave and two weeks of paternity leave after the birth, stillbirth or miscarriage of a child for teachers and state employees.
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Women's Foundation of Alabama sent out a news release Thursday calling it a 'historic paid leave win for Alabama families!' The WFA wrote in part 'This historic win was made possible by the leadership of Senator Vivian Davis Figures (D-Mobile) and Representative Ginny Shaver (R-Leesburg)..and the lawmakers who voted in support…'
Senator Figures is a co-sponsor of the bill. In an Associated Press article, she is quoted as saying the bill would give mothers time to heal after pregnancy, improve education, and help the state 'recruit the personnel we need to be able to retain them.'
Currently, state employees have to use sick leave and unpaid time off if they want to stay home after a child's birth.
According to WFA, 'nearly 60% of state employees and 80% of teachers,' are women. LaShundra Pinkard is the interim President and CEO of Women's Foundation of Alabama, which advocated for paid parental leave with other organizations across the state. In the release, Pinkard stated that the issue of paid leave has been a core priority for Women's Foundation of Alabama since 2022.
Governor Ivey is expected to sign the legislation.
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