A proposed ordinance to establish permanent paid parental leave for Shelby County employees passed committee Wednesday with a favorable recommendation and will advance to the full commission.

Deputy Chief of Staff Jerry Green said the policy would be embedded in existing salary lines rather than creating a new line item: employees already budgeted for salaries would receive paid leave as part of their regular pay; departments and divisions would manage the leave within existing budgets. Committee members asked how the program would be funded for the remainder of FY26 after potential immediate implementation; Green said the change was worked into salary budgeting practices over recent years.

The ordinance remains scheduled for third reading and final consideration; sponsor staff indicated a council colleague will present the item on the commission floor for final action if needed.