The bill enacts a new section in the Louisiana Revised Statutes to establish paid parental leave for educators, specifically detailing the rights and responsibilities of local education agencies (LEAs) regarding this leave. Eligible employees, defined as those who have been employed for at least twelve months with a local education agency, are entitled to six weeks (or 240 hours) of paid parental leave at 100% of their base pay following a qualifying event, such as the birth or adoption of a child. The bill outlines the procedures for requesting leave, the conditions under which it can be taken, and the protections against discrimination or retaliation for employees who utilize this leave.

Additionally, the bill creates a special fund, the Paid Parental Leave for Educators Fund, to reimburse LEAs for the costs associated with hiring substitute teachers during the leave period. It also repeals several existing statutes that may conflict with the new provisions. The bill mandates that policies and procedures be established by each LEA to implement these changes and requires that the necessary rules and regulations be adopted by November 1, 2026. The provisions of the bill will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for bills to become law without signature.

Statutes affected:
SB157 Re-Reengrossed: 17:2(A)(1), 17:1202(A)(1)
SB157 Enrolled: 17:2(A)(1), 17:1202(A)(1)
SB157 Act : 17:2(A)(1), 17:1202(A)(1)
Senate Floor Bureau Note, #3167, Jenkins, Adopted: 17:2(A)(1), 17:1202(A)(1)