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 or adoption of a child. 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 eligible employees and outlines the entitlement to up to eight weeks of paid parental leave for qualifying events, such as the birth of a child or the adoption of a child under three years old. The bill specifies that only one parent can take paid leave in the case of joint adoption and establishes that the leave must be used within 365 days of the qualifying event.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the State of Alabama Personnel Department adopt rules for the implementation of this parental leave policy and requires annual reporting on its usage. Paid parental leave will be compensated at 100% of the employee's base pay and will not require the use of other leave types. The act also ensures that health care benefits are maintained during the leave period. The provisions of this act will take effect immediately upon passage.

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