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Senate passes bill extending paid leave to adoptive parents at placement
Summary
The Senate approved HB 2-62 to allow school-district employees to access paid parental leave at the time an adoptive child is placed, closing a gap that previously restricted leave to adoption finalization; sponsor used a constituent story to illustrate the problem.
The Senate voted to pass House Bill 2-62 on May 6, which adjusts Delaware's paid leave law to recognize adoptive placement (not only finalization) as a qualifying event for leave when employees work for school districts.
Senator Cruz (speaker 6) framed the bill through a constituent story of an adoptive family whose son was placed in August 2025 but whose legal finalization occurred months later, leaving the parent without paid leave during early bonding time: "This bill ... corrects that gap, corrects that unintended consequence by recognizing placement, not just finalization," Cruz said. He said the change ensures adoptive parents can bond with their children as biological parents do.
Senators asked clarifying questions about the typical post-placement administrative period and whether the statute's language would cover most adoptions; Cruz said the legislation addresses common timelines and was brought forward after constituent testimony. Several senators signed on as cosponsors on the floor.
Roll call recorded 21 yes; the bill was declared passed the Senate.
What’s next: The measure proceeds to the next step in the legislative calendar; stakeholders in school districts and human resources will need to update leave policies to reflect placement-based eligibility.
