DE HB125

Grants 12 weeks of paid leave to full-time state employees with at least one year of employment upon the birth of a child or adoption of a child 6 years of age or younger.

Extends paid leave eligibility to both parents and allows the 12-week entitlement to be used within a 12-month period beginning on the date of birth or adoption.

Preserves employees' right to use accumulated sick leave for maternity and paternity purposes in addition to paid leave benefits.

Maintains existing unpaid leave provisions for employees adopting children over 6 years of age, reducing the unpaid leave period from its previous terms.

Directs the Merit Employee Relations Board or State Personnel Office to adopt rules governing use of sick leave for child birth and adoption purposes.