• While no formal state sponsored programs exist, Alabama’s HB141 was enacted on April 27, 2023, which authorized disability insurers to offer paid family leave benefit policies through employer-sponsored group policies or voluntarily purchased employee policies.

• It is up to the carrier to set the requirements and details involved, including as it pertains to waiting periods, duration of leave allowed (must be a minimum of 2 weeks), and payment for benefits.

The policies may be offered to include paid leave for any of the following reasons:

1. Care of the serious health condition of a family member, defined as a child, parent, spouse, or any other individual defined as family in the insurance policy;
2. Bond with a child/newborn within the first 12 months of birth, adoption or placement for adoption, or foster care;
3. To address a qualifying exigency as interpreted under FMLA;
4. Care for a family service member who was injured in the line of duty.