Alabama extends FMLA leave to adoptive parents

In April 2022, the Alabama legislature passed the Adoption Promotion Act, requiring employers concurrently with federal law, to offer 12 weeks of family leave to eligible employees for the birth and care of a child during the first year following birth, as well as for an adopted child within one year of placement. For employers that provide additional maternity benefits to female employees, the new law would require employers to extend those same benefits to adoptive parents as well. Additionally, the law would permit state employees and members of the Teachers’ Retirement System to purchase service credit for up to one year for the purpose of family leave. The new leave requirements go into effect on July 1, 2022.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to be construed as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. Employers should closely monitor the rules and regulations specific to their jurisdiction(s) and should seek advice from counsel relative to their rights and responsibilities.

By Megan Butz
General Counsel, HR Compliance, Checkwriters
Megan joined Checkwriters in 2020 and is responsible for reviewing, revising, and implementing internal policies of the company, advising on human resource, employment, and labor matters, and monitoring and publishing state and federal legal updates to the Checkwriters News and Compliance Center for distribution to thousands of clients around the country. Before joining Checkwriters, Megan served as a judicial law clerk for the justices of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court performing legal research and writing, followed by private practice in Cape Cod.

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