Bill > HB1601

This bill creates the Advancing Rights for Caregiving, Health, and Extended Recovery (ARCHER) Act, which expands maternity leave protections for teachers and certain educational employees. The legislation allows eligible full-time employees who have worked at least 1,250 hours in the previous year to receive six weeks of paid maternity leave following the birth of their child, in addition to existing sick leave provisions. The bill now permits these employees to use their accrued sick leave to extend maternity leave up to an additional six weeks (for a total of 12 weeks), which can be used for recovery from childbirth, bonding with a newborn, or caring for a newborn. Employees must provide notification consistent with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the FMLA leave will run concurrently with the extended paid sick leave. The bill applies to public school district employees, technology center instructional employees, teachers at the State Department of Rehabilitation Services, correctional teachers, and teachers at the Office of Juvenile Affairs. Importantly, employees using this extended leave cannot be deprived of compensation or other benefits, and the State Board of Education is responsible for ensuring adequate funding for the program. The legislation will become effective on November 1, 2025, providing educators with more comprehensive maternity leave support.

Budget and Finance, Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1601&Session=2600