House Resolution 1048
By: Representatives Schofield of the 63rd, Scott of the 76th, Davis of the 87th, and McClain
of the 109th
A RESOLUTION
Urging the introduction, consideration, and adoption of the Georgia Bereaved Parents and
Family Support Act of 2026 to provide job-protected bereavement leave for parents who
experience the death of a child; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the death of a child is among the most devastating and life-altering experiences
a parent or family can endure, resulting in profound and lasting emotional, psychological,
and physical impacts; and
WHEREAS, existing bereavement leave practices in Georgia are often limited, inconsistent,
or insufficient, frequently requiring grieving parents to return to work before they are
emotionally or mentally prepared; and
WHEREAS, the General Assembly recognizes that workplace policies grounded in equity,
dignity, and compassion strengthen families, improve workforce stability, and support
long-term community well-being; and
WHEREAS, employers commonly provide extended leave for maternity, paternity, or
parental bonding, reflecting an understanding that major family life events require
meaningful recovery time, and similar consideration should be afforded to parents grieving
the loss of a child; and
WHEREAS, legislative models from other states demonstrate that job-protected bereavement
leave can be implemented responsibly without mandating paid leave and without imposing
undue burden on employers, while improving employee retention and mental health
outcomes; and
WHEREAS, allowing the use of accrued paid leave while maintaining job protection respects
both the needs of bereaved families and the operational realities of employers; and
WHEREAS, the General Assembly recognizes that providing up to two weeks of
job-protected paid bereavement leave following the death of an immediate family member,
including a child or parent and including loss resulting from violent or criminal acts, supports
workforce stability, reduces lost wages and productivity disruptions, mitigates long-term
mental and physical health costs, enables affected individuals to participate fully in law
enforcement and judicial processes, and promotes a safe, timely, and productive return to
employment while respecting employer flexibility and economic realities; and
WHEREAS, Georgia has the opportunity to lead with compassion by establishing a humane
and consistent framework that recognizes the unique and lifelong impact of child loss on
parents and families.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body urge the introduction and adoption of legislation to be known as
the Georgia Bereaved Parents and Family Support Act of 2026, that would provide up to six
weeks of job-protected bereavement leave for parents who experience the death of a child;
limit bereavement leave to no more than two weeks per deceased family member, with a
maximum of four weeks total, ensuring balanced and equitable application; apply to
employers with twenty-five or more employees, aligning with existing employment
thresholds; not require paid leave, while permitting employees to use accrued paid leave,
vacation, sick leave, or other available leave during the bereavement period; include job
protection and anti-retaliation provisions, ensuring employees may return to the same or an
equivalent position without adverse employment action; and center the unique, lifelong
impact of child loss, affirming Georgia's commitment to dignity, compassion, and support
for working families.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the
Governor of Georgia, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House, and the chairs of
the appropriate House and Senate committees for consideration during the 2026 legislative
session.