SC House Passes Bill to Double Paid Parental Leave for Teachers, State Employees

The South Carolina House of Representatives has passed a bill that could significantly increase the amount of paid parental leave for teachers and state employees. If ratified, H. 3490 would provide parents who give birth with up to 12 weeks of paid leave, a substantial increase from the current six-week period.

The bipartisan bill, which passed with an 86 to 18 vote, also proposes a two-week increase in leave time for parents who did not give birth to a child.

While the bill garnered significant support, it also sparked debate among some House members. Concerns were raised about the bill’s language and the financial implications of expanding paid leave for state employees, particularly when many taxpayers in the state do not receive such benefits.

Conversely, proponents of the bill cited examples of local government entities that have successfully implemented paid parental leave policies with minimal impact on taxpayers. They emphasized the importance of supporting teachers and state employees and recognizing the significance of parental bonding time, regardless of whether they are the birthing parent.

Supporters also highlighted that South Carolina previously became the first state in the Southeast to offer six weeks of paid parental leave to state employees, viewing this bill as a positive continuation of that support.

Despite the House passage, the bill’s immediate future remains uncertain due to the limited time remaining in the current legislative session. With only three days left, it is unlikely to make it through the Senate before the session ends. However, the legislation is expected to be introduced in the Senate when the new legislative session begins in January 2026.