A bill for an act relating to paid parental leave for state employees.

SSB 3032 would require Iowa state employers to provide paid leave for employees taking time off for the birth or adoption of a child, without needing prior eligibility under federal family leave law. It directly affects Iowa state employees who are new parents or adoptive parents, allowing them to receive paid leave within 12 months of a birth or adoption. The key change removes the current requirement that an employee must first qualify for leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to receive state-paid parental leave. This policy would expand access to paid parental leave for more state workers who may not meet federal FMLA criteria. The bill was introduced in January 2026 and recommended for passage by a legislative subcommittee.