The resolution declares an emergency regarding the need to amend the Universal Paid Leave Amendment Act of 2016 and the Insurance Trade and Economic Development Amendment Act of 2000. The amendments aim to prevent private market short-term disability benefits from being reduced based on the paid leave benefits an individual may receive from the District, regardless of where the insurance policy was issued. This is in response to reports that some insurance companies have been offsetting short-term disability benefits by the amount of Universal Paid Leave (UPL) benefits, which undermines the intent of the UPL program and the financial support it is meant to provide to District workers.

The resolution emphasizes the importance of ensuring that District employees can access both UPL and short-term disability benefits without one affecting the other. It highlights that many workers rely on both programs for comprehensive wage replacement during periods of leave due to medical needs or family responsibilities. The Council seeks to strengthen enforcement mechanisms to protect these benefits and ensure that the anti-offsetting provisions are applicable regardless of the jurisdiction of the insurance policy. The urgency of this resolution is underscored by the impending expiration of a temporary measure on May 1, 2025, necessitating immediate legislative action.