Montgomery, Ala. (WDNews) – Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has announced a new effort to secure paid parental leave for public school teachers and state employees. The Alabama K-12 Public School and State Employee Paid Parental Leave Act of 2025 was officially filed Monday, fulfilling a promise she made during her 2025 State of the State Address.
“First, if a teacher wants to start a family, she should have the proper maternity leave,” Gov. Ivey stated. “That is why I am proud to have Senator Vivian Figures and Representative Ginny Shaver joining forces this year to pass a good, responsible parental leave bill to support both our state workers and teachers.”
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Vivian Figures and Rep. Ginny Shaver, would provide fully paid parental leave to eligible state employees and public school workers. This includes time off for the birth, stillbirth, miscarriage, or adoption of a child.
What the Bill Provides
Female employees would receive eight weeks of paid parental leave for birth, stillbirth, or miscarriage.
Male employees would receive two weeks in these same situations.
Employees adopting a child age three or younger would also be eligible for paid leave.
Gov. Ivey emphasized the importance of supporting working families. “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,” she said.
Sen. Figures, who is sponsoring the bill in the Senate, believes the measure will reduce financial strain on families while strengthening the state’s workforce. “Working education and state employees deserve the opportunity to care for their newborn or newly adopted child without worrying about unnecessary financial strain,” she said.
Return-to-Work Requirement
The legislation 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 cases of serious health conditions.
Rep. Ginny Shaver praised the bill’s impact on families and the workforce. “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,” she said.
A Step Toward a Stronger Alabama
The Governor’s Study Group on Efficiency in State Government previously recommended paid parental leave for public employees. The proposal aligns with efforts in other states to retain talent and improve workforce productivity.
“By investing in our people, we are investing in a stronger Alabama,” Gov. Ivey added. “This is a pro-family, pro-workforce, and pro-Alabama bill, and I am proud to support it.”
Rep. Debbie Wood, a strong supporter of the measure, called it a “big win” for the state’s future. “This is a common-sense policy that strengthens families, improves employee retention, and ensures that our public servants can return to work ready to serve our communities,” she said.
The bill was officially filed on February 25, 2025, and will now move forward for legislative consideration.
