Georgia State Employees Will Get Double Paid Time Off As House Passed Bill

The Georgia House has passed a measure to increase the amount of parental leave available to state employees.
According to the current law, state employees have the option to take three weeks or 120 hours of paid parental leave within a 12-month “rolling” period after the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. The proposed House Bill 1010 aims to extend paid leave to six weeks or 240 hours.
The bill was passed by the House with a vote of 153-11 and will now move on to the state Senate. A House spokesman confirmed that state officials believe the cost to taxpayers is minimal.
“The House first approved this initiative in 2021 to establish paid parental leave for our state workers,” stated House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington. By passing the bill, we are making progress to ensure that these employees have additional time to be with their families following the birth or adoption of a child.
Three Tax Relief Measures Arrive in Georgia
“Our state employees work diligently to serve our communities, and with this legislation, we have clearly shown our appreciation and backing for our working families across this state,” Burns added. “We must provide support in both their professional and personal lives, and this increase in benefits shows our dedication to promoting a healthy work-life balance and valuing family.”
State Rep. Karen Bennett, D-Stone Mountain, expressed optimism about the potential for further expanding parental leave beyond state employees.
“But this is … a great first start, and I am just so excited about it,” Bennett expressed during the House floor debate. “I believe this bill will have a ripple effect as we provide ongoing support to families of all types in Georgia.”