OKLAHOMA CITY –
An Oklahoma state lawmaker has filed a bill to expand paid maternity leave to cover Oklahoma teachers who choose to adopt a child.
Current state law only allows full-time teachers and instructors to use six weeks of paid maternity leave for childbirth. However, House Bill 3467, filed by Representative Brad Boles (R-Marlow), would amend that to allow teachers to use their paid leave immediately after they adopt a child.
Under the newly filed bill, full-time teachers would also be allowed to use accrued sick leave in addition to their paid maternity leave to bond or care for an infant. Current state law only allows the additional days to be used for newborns.
This bill would be up for consideration when the 60th Oklahoma Legislature convenes on Feb. 2 for the new legislative session.
