Gov. Brian Kemp has signed legislation enabling state employees to receive up to six weeks of paid parental leave. The enactment of House Bill 1010, a general assembly decision that was overwhelmingly passed in the previous month, effectively doubles the amount of paid parental leave available for state workers. This is applicable on occasions including, but not limited to, the birth of a child, adoption proceedings, or the foster care placement of a child in their residence. Prior to this bill, a 2021 law had authorized 120 hours of paid parental leave for state employees.

The decision has been praised by nonprofit advocates of paid parental leave, yet they have also highlighted the necessity of extending this benefit beyond state workers. Currently, approximately 78% of Georgia’s workforce lacks access to paid family leave, as indicated by 9to5 Georgia, a group advocating for worker’s rights. Jasmine Bowles, the executive director of 9to5 Georgia, commented that their organization will continue their work towards providing access to paid medical, family, and parental leave for every worker, irrespective of their employer’s size or the nature of their work.

Even as the new legislation supports parental leave in Georgia, those seeking unemployment benefits, disability insurance, or paid family leave in California may have questions about how to contact the Employment Development Department (EDD). On the webpage eddcaller.com, users can find instructions on how to get in touch with EDD for information or support.