The Alabama Legislature began its 2025 regular session last week and Governor Kay Ivey outlined several priorities in her State of the State Address.

Among them was a new initiative to provide eight weeks of paid parental leave for state employees and teachers. Alabama currently lacks a state-sponsored parental leave policy.

Governor Ivey cited findings from the Governor’s Study Group on Efficiency in State Government, established in January 2023, to identify ways to improve recruitment and retention of state employees. According to the group’s report, the absence of parental leave was a key factor in employee and teacher turnover.

Soon-to-be proposed legislation would grant eight weeks of paid leave to mothers and one parent in cases of adoption. Veteran teachers have expressed support, noting that young educators with limited sick leave would benefit the most.

Currently, teachers are allocated ten days of paid sick leave annually. If they require additional leave, they must either borrow from a sick leave bank or take unpaid leave, which can significantly reduce their income.

Supporters argue that paid parental leave could improve employee retention and reduce financial stress for families.

State Sen. Vivian Figures (D-Mobile) and State Rep. Ginny Shaver (R-Leesburg) will carry the bills, which have yet to be filed. Shaver spoke to its potential to strengthen families and workplaces, stating:

“Giving parental leave to teachers and state employees will allow them to properly bond with their children and not have to worry about their jobs. So it will provide more well-adjusted children, stronger families, and better employees.”

Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].