The bill H. 3490 proposes amendments to the South Carolina Code of Laws, specifically Sections 8-11-150 and 8-11-155, to enhance the provisions for paid parental leave for eligible state employees. The amendments increase the duration of paid parental leave from six weeks to twelve weeks for employees who give birth, and from two weeks to four weeks for those who do not give birth but are eligible. The definition of "paid parental leave" is updated accordingly, and the bill clarifies that leave for part-time employees will be prorated based on their scheduled hours. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the entitlement to leave expires at the end of a twelve-month period following the qualifying event, and any unused leave will be forfeited.

The bill also maintains that both parents who are eligible state employees can take their paid parental leave concurrently or at different times. It ensures that legal holidays do not count against the leave and that the paid parental leave runs concurrently with any leave taken under the Family Medical Leave Act. The Division of Human Resources is tasked with creating regulations and procedures to implement these changes. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 8-11-150
Latest Version: 8-11-150