The bill H. 3645 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 aim to 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 bill defines "eligible state employee" as any full-time employee of the state or its institutions and outlines the conditions under which paid parental leave can be taken, including the stipulation that leave must be used within a twelve-month period following the qualifying event, which includes the birth or adoption of a child.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that both parents who are eligible state employees can take their paid parental leave concurrently or at different times, and it specifies that legal holidays will not count against the leave. The amendments also ensure that the paid parental leave runs concurrently with any leave taken under the Family Medical Leave Act, and that employees will continue to accrue annual and sick leave while on paid parental leave. The Division of Human Resources is tasked with creating regulations to implement these changes, and the act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/12/2024: 8-11-150
04/09/2025: 8-11-150
04/14/2025: 8-11-150
04/29/2025: 8-11-150
Latest Version: 8-11-150