CA AB568

Requires school districts, charter schools, and community college districts to provide at least 6 weeks of paid maternity leave for certificated, academic, and classified female employees absent due to pregnancy, miscarriage, childbirth, and recovery.

Allows paid leave to begin before and continue after childbirth if the employee is actually disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or a related condition, with the length determined by the employee and their physician.

Classifies pregnancy-related disabilities as temporary disabilities for all job-related purposes and requires them be treated the same as other temporary disabilities under health insurance and sick leave plans.

Prohibits paid maternity leave from diminishing employees' rights to take or receive compensation during other leaves including disability leave, sick leave, bonding leave, vacation leave, and up to four months of pregnancy disability leave under state regulations.

Applies to both certificated and classified employees in school districts and community college districts, including those with merit systems.