Bill > HB1118

This bill establishes 120 hours of paid "maternal birth leave" for eligible state employees and full-time employees of local education agencies in Georgia who experience a "qualifying life event," defined as giving birth. This leave is intended for recuperation and must be taken within the three weeks immediately following the birth, before any other paid parental leave. Eligibility requires six continuous months of employment, or 700 hours worked in the preceding six months for hourly employees. The bill also mandates that the State Accounting Office update its software by October 1, 2026, to include maternal birth leave as a new benefit category, and requires employing entities to establish rules for administering this leave, including documentation requirements and whether it runs concurrently with federal leave. Importantly, employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees for using this leave, though adverse action is permitted if an employee provides false information to obtain the leave. If a state holiday falls during maternal birth leave, the employee will only be compensated for the holiday.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72672