State committee approves bill extending paid parental leave to 12 weeks

In a recent meeting of the South Carolina House Ways and Means Committee, two significant bills were discussed, focusing on state appropriations and the expansion of paid parental leave. The meeting, held on March 25, 2025, highlighted the committee's efforts to address pressing fiscal and social issues affecting state employees.

The first item on the agenda was Senate Bill 291, a continuing resolution that ensures the state can meet its financial obligations for the 2025-2026 fiscal year if a general appropriations act is not passed in time. This bill is crucial for maintaining timely debt service on state obligations and other constitutionally required payments. The committee voted unanimously, 4-0, to report the bill favorably, indicating strong bipartisan support for this financial safeguard.

The second bill, House Bill 3645, proposes a significant expansion of paid parental leave for state employees. The bill aims to extend paid leave from six weeks to twelve weeks for birth or adoption, and from two weeks to four weeks for other parental roles. This expansion would apply to all full-time state employees, including those at public institutions of higher education. While the fiscal impact of this bill remains undetermined, it is expected that state agencies may face increased expenses related to managing workloads and employee leave.

Support for the bill was voiced by Ashley Liro, Chief Strategy Officer for the Women's Rights and Empowerment Network, who emphasized the importance of the legislation for improving employee retention and maternal health outcomes in South Carolina. The committee engaged in discussions about the bill, with amendments proposed to clarify eligibility and payment structures for parental leave.

One notable amendment, presented by Representative Cobb Hunter, aimed to ensure that temporary research grant employees are included in the paid leave provisions while excluding true temporary employees like summer interns. This amendment also sought to base parental leave pay on an employee's average workday rather than just base pay, addressing concerns raised by employees in higher education.

The committee ultimately voted to adopt the amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended, again with unanimous support. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, allowing time for implementation by the Department of Administration.

As the committee adjourned, the discussions underscored a commitment to enhancing employee benefits and ensuring fiscal responsibility within the state government. The successful passage of these bills could have lasting implications for state employees and their families, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of work-life balance in the workplace.