Bill > HB1017

This bill amends the law regarding paid maternity leave for public school employees in Arkansas, expanding and clarifying the provisions for such leave. The bill specifies that female employees of public school districts or open-enrollment public charter schools who have been employed for at least one year are eligible for up to twelve weeks of paid maternity leave following the birth of a biological child, adoption of a child under one year old, or foster placement of an infant under one year old. Employees must not have been disciplined for leave abuse in the past year to qualify. The bill removes previous cost-sharing requirements and instead mandates that the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education will now fully cover (100%) the costs of approved maternity leave. The legislation also clarifies that an employee cannot receive additional leave for the same child if they have already used twelve weeks of paid leave during an initial foster placement. The bill aims to provide more comprehensive and financially supported maternity leave options for public school employees in Arkansas, ensuring that qualifying employees can take time off to care for new children without financial burden.

Education

https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1017&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R