Labor & Employment

HB 49, the "Nursing Mother's Act," requires all Alabama employers (including state agencies) to provide employees with reasonable unpaid break time or the option to use existing paid breaks for expressing breast milk, and to offer a private, non-bathroom space near the work area. Employers must make reasonable efforts to accommodate this without causing undue hardship to their operations, and cannot discriminate against employees who use this provision. The bill does not mandate new construction for breastfeeding spaces but ensures privacy during breaks. It would take effect on October 1, 2026, if passed.

HB 6 would expand a retirement benefit to include State Police Tier II Plan members in Alabama's Employees' Retirement System. Currently, certain law enforcement officers (like those in the Department of Corrections) can receive payment for up to 80 hours of unused annual leave each year beyond a 480-hour threshold. This bill specifically adds State Police Tier II members to that same provision, allowing them to cash out up to 80 hours of accrued unused leave annually. The change applies only to retirement plan members and mirrors the existing benefit for other law enforcement personnel. It does not create new leave accruals but modifies payment eligibility under existing law.

HB 21, the Parental Right to Participate in Schools Act, allows Alabama parents and guardians of school-age children to take up to 48 hours annually for school-related activities like conferences, sports events, or performances. Employers must permit this leave unless it would substantially disrupt business operations, and employees must provide at least 10 days' advance notice (unless the event was unforeseeable). Employers must post workplace notices about the law and face $100 daily fines for non-compliance. The Alabama Department of Workforce will enforce the law, which takes effect October 1, 2026.