This bill amends Oklahoma education law to enhance leave provisions for education employees by introducing paternity and adoption leave alongside existing maternity leave. Key amendments include the addition of paternity and adoption leave in Sections 6-104.1, 6-104.5, 6-104.6, and 6-104.8, which detail the conditions for unpaid leave, pay deductions for certain leave, and a leave-sharing program. The bill also updates the names and purposes of revolving funds related to maternity leave to encompass paternity and adoption leave, ensuring that these funds are available for reimbursement to school districts for expenses incurred in providing such leave.

Furthermore, the legislation clarifies eligibility criteria for paid leave, stipulating that full-time employees who have worked a minimum number of hours are entitled to six weeks of paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child, in addition to any sick leave due to pregnancy or related conditions. The bill establishes the Education Employee Paid Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption Leave Revolving Fund within the State Treasury, managed by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, to reimburse state agencies for expenses related to these leaves. It also clarifies the responsibilities of the Office of Juvenile Affairs and the Department of Corrections regarding employee benefits, ensuring that eligible employees in these agencies are entitled to the same leave provisions. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, with an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 57-510.6a