CA AB500

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

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

Requires school districts, charter schools, and community college districts to provide at least 6 weeks of paid leave for classified female employees with pregnancy-related absences and to adopt rules prescribing proof of pregnancy and leave duration.

Specifies that paid maternity leave does not diminish employee rights to other leaves of absence including pregnancy disability leave, sick leave, bonding leave, vacation leave, or extended leave as a disability accommodation.

Applies provisions to school districts and community college districts that have adopted the merit system.