Balancing books and babies: Bill for extended maternity leave for educators on Senate agenda

A bill designed to give Oklahoma teachers more time for maternity leave is headed to the Senate floor.

House Bill 1601 would allow teachers to use up to six weeks of accrued sick leave to extend their maternity leave.

The Senate Education Committee unanimously passed the bill on Tuesday.

If passed, the bill would go into effect on November 1.

Maternity Leave for Oklahoma Teachers

Current law gives Oklahoma teachers six weeks of maternity leave. HB 1601 would give teachers the ability to take off up to 12 weeks… by using both their regular maternity leave and up to six weeks’ worth of sick time.

Employees who choose to extend their maternity leave with sick time will have FMLA leave run concurrently with the paid sick leave extension.

Lawmaker Support

State Rep. Emily Gise (R-OKC):

"[the bill] is about honoring Oklahoma’s educators with the same respect and dignity we expect them to give our children. No teacher should be forced to choose between bonding with their newborn and the profession they love. This bill strengthens families, supports life, and reaffirms our commitment to a pro-family, pro-education future."

State Sen. Mark Mann (D-OKC):

“Allowing educators to use the sick leave they’ve saved to extend that maternity leave by up to six more weeks will give both mothers and babies an even healthier start, plus it’s a benefit that will help with teacher recruitment and retention.” 

Medical Exceptions

HB 1601 does allow teachers to take more time off if it’s medically necessary. The bill states a licensed medical professional will need to provide a written certification recommending additional leave related to recovery from childbirth or the care of the newborn. That extended leave can be combined for a total of 12 weeks of FMLA leave.