Senate approves bill allowing teachers to use sick leave to extend maternity leave; bill now moves to governor’s desk

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate has given approval to House Bill 1601, a bipartisan measure to allow teachers to use up to six weeks of accrued sick leave to extend their six-week maternity leave provided by the state. Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City, is the Senate principal author of the bill, which was approved Wednesday and next will be considered by Gov. Kevin Stitt.

 Mann said this is pro-family legislation.

“Under state law, educators already receive six weeks of maternity leave, but in addition, many have saved up sick leave in order to extend that time a bit to more fully recover and bond with their babies,” Mann said. “Some school districts were uncertain if they could do this, so HB 1601 clarifies that teachers can use up to six weeks of accrued sick leave in addition to their state leave. This is better for mothers and babies, it helps retain great educators, and it also helps us compete with private sector companies that already provide 12 weeks of maternity leave.”

Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, is the House principal author of HB 1601.

"Educators play a critical role in our communities, and they deserve the time and support needed to care for their newborns without having to choose between their calling and their families,” Gise said. “Providing the opportunity for additional maternity leave for educators is about more than creating good policy; it's about standing by our values as a state that supports families and values our teachers. I appreciate the work of Senator Mann to see this bill across the finish line and hope to see it signed into law soon."

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Mark Mann at 405-590-4471 or Mark.Mann@oksenate.gov