Governor files bill to provide paid parental leave for state employees and educators

MONTGOMERY – Fulfilling a commitment she made during her 2025 State of the State address, Gov. Kay Ivey filed a bill to provide paid parental leave for state employees and public school employees.

Ivey said the “Alabama K-12 Public School and State Employee Paid Parental Leave Act of 2025” would help recruit and retain highly talented public school teachers and state employees.

“First, if a teacher wants to start a family, she should have the proper maternity leave,” Ivey said during the State of the State address. “That is why I am proud to have Sen. Vivian Figures and Rep. Ginny Shaver joining forces this year to pass a good, responsible parental leave bill to support both our state workers and teachers.

This legislation, sponsored by Figures (D-Mobile) and Shaver (R-Leesburg), will provide eligible state employees and public school employees with fully paid parental leave in connection with the birth, stillbirth, miscarriage or adoption of a child.

“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,” said Ivey. “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.”

Under the proposed law, a female eligible 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 these circumstances.

The bill would also provide specified amounts of paid parental leave for eligible employees who adopt a child age three or younger.

“Working education and state employees deserve the opportunity to care for their newborn or newly adopted child without worrying about unnecessary financial strain,” said Figures. “This meaningful legislation will support the well-being of children and parents, while also fostering a more stable and productive workforce for the future.

“I look forward to sponsoring the bill in the Senate and working to ensure all families in Alabama can thrive.”

The legislation also includes a return-to-work provision, requiring employees to resume their positions for at least eight weeks following their paid parental leave. However, exceptions may be granted in certain circumstances, including cases of serious health conditions.

“This important legislation is a shining example of how important children, born and unborn, are in our state,” Shaver said. “Parental leave legislation will provide state employees and teachers with the opportunity to properly bond with their children without the added stress of worrying about their jobs.

“That will make them stronger families, more well-adjusted children and better employees.”

Providing paid parental leave to public employees was a recommendation included in the Final Report of the Governor’s Study Group on Efficiency in State Government.

Ivey said the measure reflects Alabama’s commitment to strong families and a strong workforce.

“By investing in our people, we are investing in a stronger Alabama,” she said. “This is a pro-family, pro-workforce and pro-Alabama bill, and I am proud to support it.”