Bill > H3490

This bill amends South Carolina state law to increase paid parental leave for state employees in the event of birth or adoption. Specifically, the bill doubles the existing paid leave from six to twelve weeks for employees who give birth or are primarily responsible for caring for an adopted child, and from two to four weeks for other eligible parents. An "eligible state employee" is defined as a full-time employee of the state, including those working at state higher education institutions. The paid leave is provided at 100% of the employee's base pay, with part-time employees receiving prorated leave. The leave must be used within twelve months of the qualifying event (birth or adoption), cannot be donated or carried over, and runs concurrently with other leave types like the Family Medical and Leave Act. If both parents are state employees, they can take leave concurrently or at different times. Legal holidays are not counted against the leave, and employees continue to accrue annual and sick leave at the normal rate while on parental leave. The Division of Human Resources will develop regulations to implement these changes, and the bill takes effect upon the Governor's approval.

Budget and Finance

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3490&session=126&summary=B