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 key changes include increasing 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 also updated to reflect these new durations. Additionally, the bill clarifies that leave must be taken consecutively, with certain exceptions for foster parents, and outlines that the leave will not accumulate if not used within a twelve-month period following the qualifying event.

Furthermore, the bill maintains that both parents who are eligible state employees can take their leave concurrently or at different times, and it specifies that legal holidays will not count against the leave. The amendments ensure that the paid parental leave runs concurrently with other forms of leave, such as those provided under the Family Medical Leave Act, and that employees will continue to accrue annual and sick leave while on paid parental leave. The bill is set to take effect upon approval by the Governor.

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