Alabama Passes Paid Parental Leave for Teachers and State Employees

With Ivey’s expected signature, Alabama will join neighboring states in providing paid parental leave for public workers.

Kerri Larson

Kerri Larson

— 1 min read
Alabama Passes Paid Parental Leave for Teachers and State Employees
Teachers and public workers will now have the opportunity for paid leave. Photo: Adobe

Alabama educators and state employees will soon receive paid parental leave, marking a major shift in state policy aimed at supporting working families. The Alabama K-12 Public School and State Employee Paid Parental Leave Act is now headed to Governor Kay Ivey’s desk for her signature.

What the Law Provides

The new law, set to take effect on July 1, 2025, grants:

  • Maternity Leave: Eight weeks of fully paid leave for female employees after childbirth, stillbirth, or miscarriage.
  • Paternity Leave: Two weeks of paid leave for male employees under the same conditions.
  • Adoption Leave: Eight weeks of leave for employees adopting a child aged three or younger. If both parents are eligible employees, one receives eight weeks while the other gets two.
  • Eligibility: Employees must have at least one year of service with the state, a community college, or a local school board.
  • Leave Flexibility: Time off can be used intermittently within 365 days of birth or adoption if approved by the employer.

State Leaders Support the Bill

Governor Kay Ivey, who championed the legislation, praised its passage. “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,” she said.

The bill received bipartisan support, with Senator Vivian Figures (D-Mobile) and Representative Ginny Shaver (R-Leesburg) leading the effort. Figures emphasized the importance of financial stability for new parents, saying the bill allows them to care for their children “without worrying about unnecessary financial strain.”

The Alabama Education Association (AEA) also backed the measure. AEA Executive Director Amy Marlowe called it “past time” for teachers and school employees to receive paid parental leave, adding that it benefits both biological and adoptive parents.

A Step Forward for Alabama

With Ivey’s expected signature, Alabama will join neighboring states in providing paid parental leave for public workers. Supporters say this law will help retain quality educators and state employees while prioritizing family well-being.

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