State employees; paid parental leave authorized, parameters for eligibility established

HB 327 authorizes paid parental leave for eligible state employees, including those working for the State of Alabama, local education agencies, and the Alabama Community College System. The bill establishes eligibility parameters, such as a 12-consecutive-month employment requirement for Alabama Community College System employees before a qualifying event. It directs the State Personnel Department, State Board of Education, and Alabama Community College System to jointly adopt rules for implementing and administering this new parental leave policy. Additionally, employing agencies must provide written notice of this benefit to new hires.