Bill Summary for HB1017 (Updated)

• Bill Number: HB1017
• Primary Sponsor: Representative A. Collins
• Purpose: To amend laws regarding paid maternity leave for public school employees and require the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to cover all costs for approved paid maternity leave.

Key Provisions:

1. Paid Maternity Leave:

• Eligibility Criteria (Expanded):

  • Previously applied to education personnel (teachers or specific school staff); now applies to all full-time employees of public school districts or open-enrollment public charter schools who have been employed for at least one year.
  • Includes:
    • Birth of a biological child.
    • Placement of an adopted child under one year old.
    • Foster placement of an infant under one year old.
  • Employees must not have a history of leave abuse in the past year.

• Leave Duration:

  • Up to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave.

2. Cost Responsibility:

• Removes the prior cost-sharing agreement (50% state, 50% schools).
• DESE will now pay 100% of all costs incurred for approved paid maternity leave.

3. Implementation and Oversight:

• DESE will:
  • Develop reimbursement processes for schools.
  • Create and enforce rules and procedures to manage the program.
  • Ensure schools are reimbursed promptly for maternity leave costs.

Layman’s Terms Summary:

HB1017 broadens eligibility for paid maternity leave to include all full-time public school employees, not just specific education personnel. It provides 12 weeks of paid leave for childbirth, adoption, or fostering infants. The state will now fully cover the costs through the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, eliminating the previous cost-sharing requirement with schools. This change simplifies funding and supports all school employees during maternity leave.