Bill > H4611

This bill amends South Carolina state law to expand paid parental leave provisions for state employees and school district employees by explicitly including stillbirths as a qualifying event for leave. The bill defines a "stillbirth" by referencing an existing legal definition in Section 44-63-55, and establishes that employees who experience a stillbirth are eligible for the same leave as those who give birth to a living child. Specifically, state employees who give birth or experience a stillbirth are entitled to six weeks of paid leave at 100% of their base pay, while other eligible employees (such as co-parents) are entitled to two weeks of paid leave. The legislation applies to both full-time and part-time employees, with part-time employees receiving prorated leave corresponding to their normal work hours. The bill also clarifies that no child can have more than two parents eligible for paid parental leave, and it covers biological children, foster children in state custody, and children under eighteen years old. The amendments apply to both state employees and school district employees, ensuring consistent parental leave policies across these employment sectors. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Budget and Finance

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4611&session=126&summary=B