Teachers still waiting for paid pregnancy leave after Assembly bill fails to advance

California teachers will not receive paid pregnancy leave this year as Assembly Bill 65 failed to advance to a Senate hearing by the July 18 deadline. The bill aimed to provide school employees with full pay for up to 14 weeks of leave due to pregnancy, miscarriage, childbirth, and recovery. Currently, teachers can take unpaid maternity leave but typically use vacation and sick time for compensation. The California Teachers Association, which supports the bill, plans to advocate for similar legislation in 2026. Erika Jones, CTA secretary-treasurer, highlighted the financial strain on teachers needing to hire substitutes at their own expense.

Previous attempts at similar legislation have been vetoed by governors, citing concerns about the financial impact on school districts. The legislation's revival would require passing through multiple Senate committees if reconsidered. As California continues to grapple with public education funding, the push for paid maternity leave remains a significant issue for educators.