Proposed Paid Family Leave Bills in 2019
Oregon Paid Family Leave Probably on the Horizon
Paid family leave has been on the table for the Oregon State Legislature for a few years now. In 2017, HB 3087 made its rounds. Then in 2018, HB 4160 went through several rounds of debate but never made it out of committee to the voting floor. However, discussion continued into 2019, where HB 3031 and HB 2005 are currently under consideration.
Oregon State Legislature House Bill 3031
HB 3031 would allow employees to take home a portion of their regular pay for:
- Up to 12 weeks for “Family and Medical Leave”
- Includes personal medical leave, parental leave, or time to care for a family member with a serious health condition.
- Up to 6 weeks additional for pregnancy and childbirth.
- Up to 14 weeks to care for a new baby.
The total amount of leave is not to exceed 32 weeks in one year, and benefits wouldn’t be useable until 2023. Read the full text of the bill for more information.
Oregon State Legislature House Bill 2005
HB 2005 would allow employees to take home a portion of their regular pay for:
- Up to 8 weeks for “Family and Medical Leave”
- Includes personal medical leave, or time to care for a family member with a serious health condition.
- Up to 10 weeks of parental leave.
- Up to 4 weeks additional for pregnancy and childbirth.
The total amount of leave is not to exceed 22 weeks in the first year and benefits wouldn’t be useable until 2022. In 2023 and 2024 the number of weeks for family and medical leave and parental leave would each increase by two weeks per year. Ultimately allowing for up to 26 weeks total. Read the full text of the bill for more information.
Current Status
At least 30 lawmakers support the bills, however a three-fifths majority is needed to pass either of them as they would increase payroll taxes. Both bills propose employers and employees split the cost 50/50.
Three states launched or approved paid family leave in 2018 and five other states (besides Oregon) are very close to passing laws as well. To learn about paid family leave in other states and which national trends to watch, read more from The Standard.
