COLUMBUS, Ohio — State Senator Theresa Gavarone, R-Huron, has introduced legislation increasing paid parental leave for state employees.

The state’s underlying leave policy hasn’t been updated in nearly 25 years, according to a news release. Current law limits paid parental leave for state employees to a two-week waiting period, followed by four weeks at reduced pay.

Senate Bill 360 extends paid parental leave from six weeks to 12 weeks for parents of newly born and adopted children. The bill also eliminates the two-week waiting period state employees must take to have to access paid parental leave.

“My hope is that this legislation will not only provide a strong start for growing families, but also set a standard for others to address the needs of new parents working for their organization,” Gavarone said. “The hard-working men and women serving the state of Ohio should be afforded the opportunity to serve their own family as well.”

Senate Bill 360 will now be referred to a Senate committee for consideration.