In recent years, state policies providing dedicated paid parental leave for state employees and educators have seen remarkable strides in the South, positioning the region as a leader when it comes to these supportive policies. Since 2021, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas have all enacted paid parental leave policies that cover educators, state employees, or both. Now, we’re celebrating Mississippi joining the list of 36 total states that now provide paid parental leave for state government employees!
As of January 1, 2026, Mississippi state government employees–including university employees–who are the primary caregiver of a child will be able to take six weeks of paid parental leave after the birth or adoption of their child. This bill passed the legislature with bipartisan support, and saw support from a plethora of voices, including experts on maternal and infant health, worker justice, and university employees. Notably, the Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch added her support for the passage of HB 1063, further emphasizing the broad support of this critical law.
Paid parental leave is a powerful recruitment and retention tool for the state, and ensures that essential and qualified employees are able to care for their family and sustain economic security, keeping talented workers attached to their jobs. Additionally, paid parental leave has proven benefits for improving maternal and infant health outcomes, lowering the risk of postpartum depression, and improved child brain development. We were excited to celebrate the Governor’s signature of this critical law this week with our partners at the Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable.
As we continue to push for laws that advance health equity and economic justice for all workers, we have provided essential support on the ground out of our Southern Office by offering technical assistance to partners, advising on strategy, and attending community events to raise awareness and garner support.
While the expansion of paid parental leave for state government employees and educators is an exciting step for Mississippi, we are committed to continuing to advocate for paid leave for all workers regardless of industry or location, especially those who have serious medical conditions or family caregiving responsibilities. Nearly 79% of Mississippi workers, particularly those working in low-wage and physically demanding positions, do not have access to paid family leave through their employers. The comprehensive paid family and medical leave policies that have been instituted in thirteen states and Washington, D.C. have proven vital to creating healthier, happier, and more equitable communities and we will persist in our efforts to make this a reality for families in the South.
