Gallatin County commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve paid parental leave for county employees.
A Gallatin County press release stated the decision was made “in an effort to recruit, retain and support dedicated and talented public servants.”
The new benefit provides six weeks of paid leave and is available to both full- and part-time employees who have worked for the county for at least six months.
The policy covers employees who have — either themselves or with a spouse or domestic partner — “experienced the birth or adoption of a child,” according to the press release.
Gallatin County follows the lead of Missoula County, which implemented a paid leave policy in 2016.
The new parental leave benefit for qualifying Gallatin County employees covers any birth or adoption occurring on or after January 1, 2020.
