In 2021, Georgia made history as the first Southern state to pass a paid parental leave policy covering both state government employees and educators. This step marked a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to supporting its workforce. Now, in 2024, Georgia lawmakers have once again demonstrated their dedication to paid leave.
As of July 1, 2024, educators and state government employees will now benefit from six weeks of paid parental leave for the birth of a child or the placement of a minor child for adoption or foster care. This new law not only doubles the previous leave from three to six weeks but also extends eligibility to charter school employees and includes an employee notice requirement, promoting awareness about the availability of paid leave.
The efforts of A Better Balance’s Southern Office, in close collaboration with partners across Georgia, have played a crucial 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 essential support by offering technical assistance to partners, drafting talking points, advising on strategy, and attending community events to raise awareness and garner support.
The expansion of Georgia’s 2021 policy demonstrates the value of paid parental leave and the eagerness of lawmakers to build on the policy’s success. House Speaker Jon Burns emphasized the strong support for HB 1010, stating, “The House initially passed this initiative in 2021 to establish paid parental leave for our state workers. Now, we are taking an additional step to ensure these employees can spend even more time with their families after having or adopting a child.”
For those with questions about how Georgia’s expanded paid family leave for teachers and state employees may affect them, our fact sheet, “Know Your Rights: Georgia’s Paid Parental Leave for Teachers and State Employees,” can provide valuable answers. Additionally, any questions not addressed by the fact sheet may be answered in our virtual training session (password to view, which includes symbols: 5+VRf.M=), which offers further context on the passage and implementation of HB 1010. These resources are designed to ensure that all eligible employees are fully informed about their rights and can take full advantage of the benefits available to them.
While the expansion of paid parental leave for state government employees and educators 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 vital for creating healthier, happier, and more equitable communities and we will persist in 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 sacrificing a job or paycheck and caring for themselves or a loved one.
