Bill providing paid bereavement leave for teachers/staff becomes law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation to better support teachers and staff following the death of a spouse or child, including miscarriage, has become law. Senate Bill 1204, by Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, received tremendous bipartisan support in the Legislature and has now been signed by the governor.

“Senate Bill 1204 will provide three days paid bereavement for teachers and support employees after the death of a spouse or child, including for a miscarriage, and that is in addition to sick leave for the recovering mother,” said Mann. “It’s something major employers in our state already provide – extending this benefit to our public school employees will help us better attract and retain professional educators. But more than that, supporting these dedicated professionals in times of loss is the right thing to do.”

SB 1204 will take effect on July 1, 2026.

"The loss of a spouse or child and miscarriage is a deeply traumatic experience, and educators deserve the time and support to grieve," Gise said. "This law will make sure teachers, and staff can take that time without added stress during an already heartbreaking period. I am grateful to see this bill signed into law by Governor Stitt, and I appreciate my colleagues in the Legislature for recognizing this need and taking action to better support Oklahoma educators."

– END –

For more information, contact: Sen. Mark Mann at 405-590-4471 or Mark.Mann@oksenate.gov