Governor Henry McMaster today held a ceremonial bill signing of S. 11, which provides state employees with up to six weeks of paid family leave for the birth of a child, adoption of a child, and for fostering a child. The governor officially signed the legislation into law on May 13th, 2022, and it goes into effect on October 1st, 2022.
“With the signing of this bill, we strengthen our families, our government, and our economy,” said Governor McMaster. “This legislation gives us the ability to better serve South Carolinians by helping us recruit and retain the best and brightest to serve in state government. Most importantly, it strengthens South Carolina’s families – and with stronger families comes a stronger South Carolina.”
Here are some of the details:
Birth of a child
- Provides 6 weeks of paid leave for the employee who gives birth
- Provides 2 weeks of paid leave for the employee who does not give birth, but is a new parent
Adoption of a child
- Provides 6 weeks of paid leave for state employees who are the primary caregivers of the child
- Provides 2 weeks of paid leave for the employee who is not primarily responsible for the care of the child
Fostering a child
- Provides 2 weeks of leave for employees who foster
“Our future workforce is well-nurtured and better equipped because of this legislation,” state representative Beth Bernstein said. “Positive, consistent relationships during a child's early years yield confident individuals who are better equipped for success in school and in life, paving the way for a higher quality workforce and strong economic growth.”
