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HB 1422

State employees; add stillbirth as a qualifying event for parental leave

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michelle Au and 5 co-sponsors

HB 1422 adds stillbirth as a qualifying event for Georgia state employee parental leave, extending job-protected time off to workers experiencing pregnancy loss.

House Second Readers
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Bill Summary · HB 1422

Legislative bill overview

HB 1422 expands parental leave eligibility for Georgia state employees to include stillbirth as a qualifying event. Currently, state employee parental leave policies typically cover live births and adoption; this bill would extend those protections to employees who experience pregnancy loss. The bill is sponsored by a bipartisan group of state representatives.

Why is this important

Stillbirth affects approximately 1 in 160 pregnancies in the U.S., yet many employees lack formal leave protections following this loss. Without designated leave, employees may be forced to choose between using vacation/sick time, unpaid leave, or returning to work during acute grief and physical recovery. Extending parental leave to stillbirth recognizes the emotional and physical toll of pregnancy loss and provides financial security during a vulnerable period.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Expanding leave eligibility increases state payroll costs and may require budget allocation or redistribution of existing resources
  • Definitional clarity: The bill may need to specify gestational age thresholds for what constitutes "stillbirth" versus miscarriage, which can vary medically and legally
  • Administrative complexity: State HR systems would require reconfiguration to process and track stillbirth claims, potentially creating implementation delays
  • Scope questions: Whether the leave duration matches live birth parental leave or differs, and whether it applies equally to both parents/partners

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

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