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Georgia House approves parental leave for state employees

The Georgia House of Representatives Monday gave final approval to a measure that would grant paid parental leave to state employees. JOHN SPINK/JSPINK@AJC.COM
The Georgia House of Representatives Monday gave final approval to a measure that would grant paid parental leave to state employees. JOHN SPINK/JSPINK@AJC.COM
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March 29, 2021

The Georgia House of Representatives Monday gave final approval to a measure that would grant paid parental leave to state employees.

House Bill 146 would provide three weeks of paid leave to some 246,000 state employees, including teachers. They would be eligible for the leave following the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child. The bill does not affect the leave policies of private employers.

Under HB 146, new mothers and fathers would be eligible for leave after six months of full-time state employment. Currently, state workers are eligible for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave – the minimum required under federal law.

The measure passed the Senate unanimously last week. On Monday the House approved the Senate’s version of the bill by a vote of 153 to 8. It now goes to Gov. Brian Kemp for consideration.

ExploreAJC Bill Tracker: Live updating bills to watch in the Georgia Legislature

About the Author

David Wickert writes about the state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. Before moving to Atlanta, he worked at newspapers in Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.

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