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SB 157

SCHOOLS: Provides for paid parental leave for eligible employees. (gov sig) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Roy Adams and 27 co-sponsors

Creates six weeks of paid parental leave (100% base pay) for eligible Louisiana educators, with funding to reimburse substitute costs and concurrent FMLA use.

Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate.
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Bill Summary · SB 157

Summary of Louisiana SB 157 (2026) – Parental Leave for Educators

Purpose and Intent

SB 157, titled “Parental Leave for Educators Act,” creates a paid parental leave program for eligible employees in Louisiana’s local education agencies (LEAs). The act establishes definitions, eligibility rules, implementation requirements for LEAs, a funding mechanism, and protections for employees. It aims to ensure educators can take paid time off for qualifying family-related events without jeopardizing tenure, and to standardize leave availability across school systems.

Key Provisions

  • Definitions and Scope

    • Defines terms such as “child,” “eligible employee,” “paid parental leave,” and “qualifying event.” An eligible employee is someone identified under existing law who works full- or part-time and has at least 12 months of employment with an LEA.
    • A qualifying event includes birth or prenatal/postnatal needs, pregnancy loss, adoption or foster placement, and related court or mandatory meetings.

  • Paid Parental Leave Benefits

    • Eligible employees receive six weeks (240 hours) of paid parental leave at 100% of base pay.
    • Payment is drawn from the employee’s base pay and is not charged against annual, sick, or compensatory leave balances.
    • For part-time employees, pay is also 100% of base pay but prorated to reflect typical hours worked.

  • Eligibility and Use

    • Employees must have at least 12 months of LEA service to qualify.
    • Leave can be used continuously or intermittently and must be used within 12 months of the qualifying event.
    • If fewer than six weeks are used, remaining weeks can be reserved for future qualifying events within the same 12-month period.
    • Paid leave must run concurrently with FMLA leave.

  • Substitute Teachers and Tenure

    • LEAs must allow the appointment of substitutes to fill the position of a teacher on parental leave.
    • Substitutes do not gain tenure rights unless later appointed to a regular vacancy and meet qualifications.

  • Interplay with Other Benefits

    • Employers may offer more generous leave or benefits than the statute.
    • The provision does not diminish tenure rights or other applicable laws and contracts with more generous terms.

  • Policies, Notices, and Grievances

    • LEAs must implement policies and procedures and provide written notices to employees, detailing policies, benefits, usage, and anti-discrimination protections.
    • Employees may file a grievance within 24 months of a violation.

  • Funding Mechanism

    • Establishes a dedicated fund: the Paid Parental Leave For Educators Fund.
    • The Department of Education will reimburse LEAs for substitute costs related to paid parental leave, up to six weeks, from this fund.
    • Funding available subject to legislative appropriations; monies accrue interest for the fund.

  • Effective Dates

    • Regulations to implement must be adopted by November 1, 2026. Implementation in LEAs begins January 1, 2027. The act becomes effective upon the governor’s signature or expiration of the gubernatorial action period.

Affected Parties

  • Local public school boards (city, parish, and other LEAs) in Louisiana.
  • Eligible educators (full- or part-time) who have 12 months of LEA service.
  • Substitute teachers filling positions during parental leave.
  • The Louisiana Department of Education (policy development and reimbursement administration).
  • The Paid Parental Leave For Educators Fund (state treasury special fund).

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • Requires promulgation of rules by November 1, 2026.
  • Implementation across LEAs begins January 1, 2027.
  • Funding assistance contingent on legislative appropriation and administered via a new special fund.

This bill provides a standardized framework for paid parental leave for educators, with protections for tenure, clear employer responsibilities, and a mechanism to fund substitute teacher costs.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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