Louisiana educators are one step closer to receiving paid parental leave after Governor Jeff Landry signed Senate Bill 157 (Paid Parental Leave for Educators Act) into law. The legislation establishes the framework for a statewide paid parental leave program for eligible public and charter school employees following the birth, adoption, or placement of a foster child.

The new law would provide up to six weeks, or 240 hours, of paid parental leave at full pay for eligible educators. Supporters say the measure will help teachers and school employees spend critical time with a new child without having to exhaust sick leave or take unpaid time off.

According to information shared during discussion of the bill, at least 16 states currently provide some form of paid parental leave, including nearby states such as Arkansas, Alabama and Georgia. Under the Louisiana proposal, eligible teachers and school employees would be required to give 30 days’ notice when possible, and the leave could not be saved or carried over for later use. Employees would also be required to use the leave within 12 weeks of the qualifying event. The plan would have the state cover the cost of substitute teachers while educators are out on approved parental leave.

While the legislation has now been signed into law as Act 744, the benefit is not yet available. Funding must still be appropriated before educators can begin receiving paid parental leave. The law also creates a dedicated “Paid Parental Leave for Educators Fund” that would be used to support the program once funding is secured.

The bill received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Legislature, passing unanimously in the Louisiana Senate and by a wide margin in the House of Representatives.

Advocates for the measure say paid parental leave could improve teacher retention and recruitment while providing much-needed support for educators balancing family responsibilities and their careers. Many Louisiana teachers currently rely on accumulated sick leave or unpaid leave when welcoming a child into their family.

Supporters are now urging state leaders to fully fund the program so that Louisiana educators can begin receiving the benefits authorized under the new law.

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