MONTGOMERY — Legislation to offer paid parental leave for state employees and educators was filed Tuesday in both legislative bodies.
The bill has been anticipated ever since Ivey touted the idea in her State of the State address earlier this month.
"[I]f a teacher wants to start a family, she should have the proper maternity leave," Ivey said in her address. "That is why I am proud to have Senator Vivian Figures and Representative Ginny Shaver joining forces this year to pass a good, responsible parental leave bill to support both our state workers and teachers."
On Tuesday, Ivey announced that versions of the bill had been filed in both the House and Senate.
State Rep. Ginny Shaver (R-Leesburg) is sponsoring the Alabama K-12 Public School and State Employee Paid Parental Leave Act of 2025 in the House and State Sen. Vivian Figures (D-Mobile) in the Senate.
Shaver provided 1819 News with a copy of the House version, which is not yet available online.
House Bill 327 provides eligible state and public school employees with fully paid parental leave in connection with the birth, stillbirth, miscarriage or adoption of a child.
Under the bill's provisions, an eligible female employee would receive eight weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, stillbirth or miscarriage of her child. A male eligible employee would receive two weeks of paid parental leave in the same circumstances. The bill would also provide specified amounts of paid parental leave for eligible employees who adopt a child aged three or younger.
The bill defines an "eligible employee" as someone who has worked at a state agency or school for at least 12 consecutive months. In cases of adoption, the paid leave would also be eight weeks if the child is under three. However, if both parents are eligible under the bill, one parent would receive eight weeks, and the other would receive two.
Before beginning the leave, the legislation requires employees to agree not to quit their jobs for at least eight weeks after returning to work. If an employee violates the return-to-work agreement, the employing agency may recover an amount equal to the employee's hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours they missed by violating the provision. There are exceptions in cases of severe health conditions of the employee or an immediate family member.
"In Alabama, we are committed to strengthening families and ensuring our hardworking state employees – including our teachers – have the support they need during life's most important moments," Ivey said in a statement. "Welcoming a child is one of the greatest joys in life, and this legislation will ensure that Alabama parents do not have to face the decision of securing financial stability or spending time at home with their newborn or newly adopted child."
Shaver told 1819 News that the state Legislative Services Agency (LSA) had not yet provided a fiscal note on the bill estimating its economic impact. She also said she's hopeful the bill will be in committee next week.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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