Alabama teachers, state employees poised to gain paid parental leave

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A paid parental leave bill could mean significant changes for educators and state employees across Alabama. The Alabama K-12 Public School and State Employee Paid Parental Leave Act of 2025 was filed on Feb. 25, and on Wednesday, it was passed by the Senate.  

The Senate bill is sponsored by Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile. HB327 in the House is carried by Rep. Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg.

In her State of the State Address last month, Gov. Kay Ivey said, “First, if a teacher wants to start a family, she should have the proper maternity leave. 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.”

The Alabama K-12 Public School and State Employee Paid Parental Leave Act of 2025 will provide paid leave for eligible state employees and K-12 public school teachers under the following conditions:

• Birth of a child: Mothers receive up to eight weeks of paid leave; fathers receive up to two weeks of paid leave
• Stillbirth or miscarriage: Mothers will receive eight weeks of paid leave if the loss occurs at or after 12 weeks (miscarriage) or 20 weeks (stillbirth)
• Adoption: One eligible parent will receive eight weeks of paid leave for adopting a 3-year-old or younger child; if both parents are eligible employees, they must decide which parent will take the eight weeks, and the other parent will receive two weeks of paid leave

HB327 is scheduled to be considered by the House Ways and Means Education Committee. For the bill to become law, it must have full legislative approval before it heads to Ivey’s desk for her signature.

Said Ivey, “By investing in our people, we are investing in a stronger Alabama.”

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