HR1048: HR1048 General Assembly; adopt the Georgia Bereaved Parents and Family Support Act of 2026; urge

26 LC 129 0701 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 and1 Family Support Act of 2026 to provide job-protected bereavement leave for parents who2 experience the death of a child; and for other purposes.3 WHEREAS, the death of a child is among the most devastating and life-altering experiences4 a parent or family can endure, resulting in profound and lastin g emotional, psychological,5 and physical impacts; and6 WHEREAS, existing bereavement leave practices in Georgia are often limited, inconsistent,7 or insufficient, frequently requiring grieving parents to retur n to work before they are8 emotionally or mentally prepared; and9 WHEREAS, the General Assembly recognizes that workplace policies grounded in equity,10 dignity, and compassion strengthen families, improve workforce stability, and support11 long-term community well-being; and12 WHEREAS, employers commonly provide extended leave for maternit y, paternity, or13 parental bonding, reflecting an understanding that major family life events require14 H. R. 1048 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0701 meaningful recovery time, and similar consideration should be afforded to parents grieving15 the loss of a child; and16 WHEREAS, legislative models from other states demonstrate that job-protected bereavement17 leave can be implemented responsibly without mandating paid leave and without imposing18 undue burden on employers, while improving employee retention a nd mental health19 outcomes; and20 WHEREAS, allowing the use of accrued paid leave while maintaining job protection respects21 both the needs of bereaved families and the operational realities of employers; and22 WHEREAS, the General Assembly recognizes that providing up to t wo weeks of23 job-protected paid bereavement leave following the death of an immediate family member,24 including a child or parent and including loss resulting from violent or criminal acts, supports25 workforce stability, reduces lost wages and productivity disrup tions, mitigates long-term26 mental and physical health costs, enables affected individuals to participate fully in law27 enforcement and judicial processes, and promotes a safe, timely , and productive return to28 employment while respecting employer flexibility and economic realities; and29 WHEREAS, Georgia has the opportunity to lead with compassion by establishing a humane30 and consistent framework that recognizes the unique and lifelon g impact of child loss on31 parents and families.32 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that33 the members of this body urge the introduction and adoption of legislation to be known as34 the Georgia Bereaved Parents and Family Support Act of 2026, that would provide up to six35 weeks of job-protected bereavement leave for parents who experience the death of a child;36 H. R. 1048 - 2 - 26 LC 129 0701 limit bereavement leave to no more than two weeks per deceased family member, with a37 maximum of four weeks total, ensuring balanced and equitable ap plication; apply to38 employers with twenty-five or more employees, aligning with exi sting employment39 thresholds; not require paid leave, while permitting employees to use accrued paid leave,40 vacation, sick leave, or other available leave during the berea vement period; include job41 protection and anti-retaliation provisions, ensuring employees may return to the same or an42 equivalent position without adverse employment action; and cent er the unique, lifelong43 impact of child loss, affirming Georgia's commitment to dignity, compassion, and support44 for working families.45 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized46 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the47 Governor of Georgia, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House, and the chairs of48 the appropriate House and Senate committees for consideration during the 2026 legislative49 session.50 H. R. 1048 - 3 -