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The Oklahoma Senate Education Committee has approved House Bill 1601, which permits teachers to use up to six weeks of accrued sick leave to extend their maternity leave. The bill, sponsored by Senator Mark Mann and Representative Emily Gise, aims to support teachers by allowing them to take up to 12 weeks off after childbirth. Currently, Oklahoma teachers receive six weeks of paid maternity leave. If passed, the bill will enable them to combine this with their sick leave for a total of 12 weeks off.
Senator Mann emphasized the benefits of the bill, stating it provides a healthier start for both mothers and babies and could aid in teacher recruitment and retention. Representative Gise highlighted the importance of not forcing teachers to choose between their careers and families. She noted that some districts had previously denied requests to use sick leave in addition to maternity leave.
The bill received unanimous support from the Senate Education Committee and will now move to the full Senate for consideration. If approved, it will take effect on November 1. Employees opting to extend their leave will have their Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave run concurrently with the paid sick leave extension. A licensed medical professional must certify any additional leave required for recovery or newborn care.