Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) announced a new paid family leave policy for employees of the Georgia House of Representatives. Effective January 1, 2020, this policy will provide for three weeks of paid leave to an employee who welcomes a new child into their family through birth, adoption or foster care.

“We are committed to a culture of life in Georgia and that includes giving children the best possible start as they are welcomed into their new families,” said Speaker Ralston. “This new policy will also be a valuable employee benefit to help us attract and retain the highest caliber staff to serve Georgia’s citizens. Many of Georgia’s top employers offer similar benefits, and we want to remain competitive in today’s job market.”

The paid leave policy will provide up to three weeks of paid leave upon the occasion of the birth or adoption of a child as well as foster care placement. Employees with at least 12 months of continuous service are eligible for this benefit, and this benefit is limited to once in any 12-month period. This benefit does not change the employee’s rights under any family or medical leave policy requirements and is in addition to any accrued annual or sick leave.