Georgia expands paid parental leave for state employees and teachers

In 2021, Georgia made history as the first Southern state to pass a paid family leave policy for state employees and teachers. This move was a major milestone in the state's commitment to supporting its workforce. Now, in 2024, Georgia lawmakers have once again demonstrated their commitment to paid leave.

Beginning July 1, 2024, teachers and state government employees will be entitled to six weeks of paid parental leave upon the birth of a child or the placement of a minor child for adoption or foster care. This new law not only doubles the current leave from three to six weeks, but also expands the eligibility to charter school employees and includes a notice period for employees to increase awareness of the availability of paid leave.

The efforts of A Better Balance's South Office, working closely with partners across Georgia, have played a critical role in expanding access to paid family leave in Georgia. As an active member of the Georgia Coalition for Paid Leave Steering Committee, A Better Balance has provided critical support by offering technical assistance to partners, drafting talking points, providing strategy advice, and participating in community events to raise awareness and gain support.

The expansion of Georgia's policy in 2021 demonstrates the value of paid parental leave and the eagerness of lawmakers to build on the policy's success. House Speaker Jon Burns highlighted the strong support for HB 1010, stating, “The House originally passed this initiative in 2021 to establish paid parental leave for our state employees. Now we are taking another step to ensure these employees can spend even more time with their families after the birth or adoption of a child.”

For those who have questions about how Georgia's expanded paid family leave for teachers and state employees may impact them, our fact sheet, Know Your Rights: Georgia's Paid Family Leave for Teachers and State Employees, can provide valuable answers. In addition, any questions not answered in the fact sheet can be answered in our virtual training session (password to view, contains symbols: 5+VRf.M=), which provides more information on the passage and implementation of HB 1010. These resources are designed to ensure that all eligible employees are fully informed of their rights and can take full advantage of the benefits available to them.

While expanding paid family leave for state employees and teachers is an exciting step for Georgia, we are committed to continuing to advocate for paid leave for all Georgia families. Comprehensive paid family and medical leave is critical to creating healthier, happier, and more equitable communities, and we will continue our efforts to make this a reality for all Georgia families. Together, we can build a more equitable future where no one has to choose between giving up a job or paycheck and caring for themselves or a loved one.