The Alabama Family Leave Act aims to provide paid parental leave for certain state employees and employees of local boards of education following the birth of a child or the placement of a child for adoption. The bill amends Section 36-26-35.2 of the Code of Alabama 1975, removing references to "family leave" and the specific provisions for donated leave for adoption. It introduces Chapter 26B, which defines terms such as "eligible employee" and "parental leave," and establishes that eligible employees are entitled to up to eight weeks of paid parental leave for the birth of a child, adoption of a child under three years old, or in the case of stillbirth. The bill also stipulates that only one parent can take paid parental leave in the case of joint adoption.

Additionally, the bill outlines that the paid parental leave will be compensated at 100% of the employee's base pay and will not require the use of other leave types. It mandates that the State of Alabama Personnel Department adopt rules for implementation and requires annual reporting on the use of parental leave. The act will take effect immediately upon passage, ensuring that eligible employees are informed of their rights and the procedures for taking parental leave.

Statutes affected:
Engrossed: 36-26-35, 36-26B-1