This bill amends existing legislation to extend paid maternity leave benefits to certain full-time education employees in Oklahoma, specifically those who have been employed for at least one year and have worked a minimum of 1,250 hours in the preceding year. The amendment allows these employees to receive six weeks of paid maternity leave following the birth or adoption of their child. The bill clarifies that this leave must be used immediately after the birth or adoption and does not replace sick leave due to pregnancy, which remains available to employees.

Additionally, the bill permits employees to utilize accrued sick leave to extend their maternity leave beyond the initial six weeks, allowing for recovery from childbirth, bonding, or caring for a newborn. This sick leave can be used without additional approval from the employer, provided the employee has sufficient sick leave available. The legislation also mandates that the state legislature appropriates adequate funding for the Public School Paid Maternity Leave Revolving Fund to support these benefits, and it outlines the responsibilities of various educational boards in implementing these provisions. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2026.