SB340 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Andrew JonesSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Greg AlbrittonGerald H. AllenWilliam “Bill” M. BeasleyTom ButlerLinda Coleman-MadisonSam GivhanGarlan GudgerTim MelsonArthur OrrRandy PriceDan RobertsDavid SessionsLarry Stutts

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Family leave and adoption, reduce period for relinquishment of parental rights for child placed for adoption from five days to four days, provisions for family leave time for adoptive parents and biological parents to care for child in certain cases, Secs. 16-25-11.12, 26-10A-13, 36-26-35.2, 36-26-36.2 am'd.

Summary

SB340 tightens the withdrawal window for adoption consent, expands family leave and related benefits for adoptive parents, and adds retirement and leave-donation provisions for state employees and TRS members.

What This Bill Does

It shortens the allowed withdrawal window for adoption consent to five days after birth or signing, with a longer 14-day window only if a court finds the withdrawal reasonable. It requires employers to provide 12 weeks of unpaid family leave for the birth and care of a child or for adoption within one year of placement, running concurrently with federal leave. If an employer offers paid maternity benefits, it must offer equivalent benefits to adoptive parents; for adoptive care, paid leave is the lesser of the equivalent paid leave or two weeks. It allows state employees and Teachers' Retirement System members to purchase service credit for time spent on family leave (up to one year) and expands leave-donation programs across all state branches to cover adoptive/maternity leave.

Who It Affects

• Employees eligible for family leave and their families (including birth mothers and adoptive parents) who would receive 12 weeks of unpaid leave and potential paid leave benefits if their employer provides maternity benefits.
• State employees and Teachers' Retirement System members, who can donate or receive leave and may purchase service credit for time spent on family leave.

Key Provisions

• Limit the withdrawal period for a birth mother’s consent or relinquishment to five days after birth or signing (whichever comes last), with a 14-day window only if a court finds withdrawal reasonable.
• Provide 12 weeks of unpaid family leave for the birth and care of a child or for adoption within one year of placement, running concurrently with federal family leave; require at least 30 days' notice for foreseeable leaves.
• If an employer provides paid maternity benefits, require equal benefits for adoptive parents; paid leave for adoptive care must be the lesser of the equivalent paid leave or two weeks; leave cannot be penalized or taken intermittently unless agreed.
• Allow state employees and TRS members to purchase up to one year of service credit for time spent on family leave, with rules and actuarial costs determined by the relevant authorities.
• Expand leave-donation programs to allow donations of accrued and unused leave for maternity or adoption leave across all state branches, with caps and approvals for recipients.
• Extend the definition of 'family leave' to include maternity and adoption leave under applicable rules, and coordinate cross-branch adoption and donation processes.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Adoption