Great news: Gov. Kay Ivey signed SB 199 into law Wednesday! The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile, will ensure paid parental leave for new parents who work as teachers, two-year college employees or state employees.

Read our statement on why this is a huge win for workers across the state.

The law, which will take effect on July 1, provides eight weeks of paid leave to mothers and two weeks of paid leave to fathers after childbirth, adoption of a child aged 3 or younger, stillbirth or miscarriage.

“Paid parental leave helps workers create and grow their families while maintaining their financial well-being," Alabama Arise executive director Robyn Hyden said. "Alabama’s new law guaranteeing paid parental leave for teachers and state employees makes our state a leader in the Southeast. And it is important progress toward ensuring every parent can care for their families without scrambling to pay the bills."

Read our full statement here. Thank you to every Arise member and supporter who advocated to make this important investment in healthier families a reality!