On Wednesday, Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law a recently passed bill that would grant paid parental leave for state employees and public school workers.
Senate Bill 199 (SB199), also known as the Alabama K-12 Public School and State Employee Paid Parental Leave Act of 2025, was sponsored in the Senate by State Sen. Vivian Figures (D-Mobile) and carried in the House by State Rep. Ginny Shaver (R-Leesburg)
The legislation passed through both bodies relatively easily and ended up on Ivey’s desk without real opposition.
“In Alabama, we are committed to strengthening families and supporting those who serve our state,” Ivey said. “This new law reflects our values. No parent should have to choose between their paycheck and spending time with their newly welcomed child. Today, Alabama sends a clear message: We value families, and we value our workforce.”
Under the law:
- Female employees will receive eight weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, stillbirth or miscarriage of her child.
- Male employees will receive two weeks of paid parental leave in those same circumstances.
- Adoptive parents of a child aged three or younger will also be eligible for parental leave – eight weeks for one parent and two weeks for the other at the choice of the parents if both are eligible employees.
The law also includes a return-to-work provision, requiring employees to return for at least eight weeks after taking leave, with exceptions in certain circumstances, including serious health conditions.
“I want to congratulate Governor Ivey and my colleagues in the Legislature for helping Alabama take this significant step forward for working families in our state,” Shaver added. “By providing paid parental leave for state employees and education employees, we are not only recognizing the fundamental importance of family but also investing in the well-being and stability of our workforce. This new law embodies our values and reinforces our commitment to fostering stronger families and supporting our public servants.”
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