Governor Ivey Signs Paid Parental Leave Bill into Law
Historic bill ensures paid parental leave for eligible public employees
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey was joined by educators, public servants, and working parents as she officially signed SB199 into law on Wednesday. The Alabama Public Employee Paid Parental Leave Act of 2025 marks a significant step forward for state employees, fulfilling a commitment Governor Ivey made in her State of the State address.
“In Alabama, we are committed to strengthening families and supporting those who serve our state,” said Governor Ivey. “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”
Sponsored by State Senator Vivian Figures (D-Mobile) and Representative Ginny Shaver (R-Leesburg), SB199 ensures paid parental leave for eligible public employees, including educators and state workers. The law provides:
- Eight weeks of paid leave for female employees following childbirth, stillbirth, or miscarriage.
- Two weeks of paid leave for male employees in the same circumstances.
- Adoptive parents of a child aged three or younger will receive eight weeks of leave for one parent and two weeks for the other, if both are eligible state employees.
- A return-to-work provision, requiring employees to return for at least eight weeks after taking leave, except in cases of serious health conditions.
Senator Figures highlighted the economic and social benefits of the new law. “Paid leave is an essential tool for workforce and economic growth, providing education and state employees with the opportunity to care for their newborn or newly adopted child without worrying about unnecessary financial strain,” she said. “It was a pleasure to work with Representative Ginny Shaver and Governor Ivey to pass this meaningful legislation.”
Representative Shaver echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the bill’s positive impact on working families. “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,” she stated.
The legislation was a key recommendation in the Final Report of the Governor’s Study Group on Efficiency in State Government, which identified paid parental leave as a strategy to improve recruitment and retention of public employees.
“This is a proud day for Alabama families,” Governor Ivey added. “I want to thank Sen. Vivian Figures and Rep. Ginny Shaver for championing this effort from the very start. Their leadership and commitment to doing what’s right for our teachers, state workers, and, most importantly, our children, made this bill a reality. Together, we’re building a stronger Alabama.”
The Alabama Public Employee Paid Parental Leave Act of 2025 will take effect on July 1, 2025.
