The Pennsylvania Family and Medical Leave Act establishes a comprehensive program to provide paid family and medical leave benefits to employees in the Commonwealth. The Act mandates the creation of the Pennsylvania Family and Medical Leave Program within one year of its effective date, with benefits to be paid no later than two years after the program's establishment. The Department of Labor and Industry will administer the program, which includes setting benefit amounts, providing necessary documentation for claims, and ensuring confidentiality of individual claim records. The Act outlines eligibility criteria, the duration and amount of benefits, and employer responsibilities regarding employee notifications. It emphasizes the importance of paid leave for public health and economic stability, particularly for smaller businesses, and establishes a Family and Medical Leave Fund to support the program.

The bill details the responsibilities of the Department of Labor and Industry in evaluating claims, determining payroll contributions, and ensuring fund solvency. It defines eligibility for benefits, requiring individuals to have worked a minimum of 18 weeks and earned at least $2,718 in the prior year, with specific conditions for various types of leave. The bill outlines the duration of benefits, with a maximum of 20 weeks for certain claims and 12 weeks for others, and includes provisions for payroll contributions capped at 1% of an employee's wages. Protections against retaliatory actions by employers are included, along with the ability for employees to bring civil actions for grievances. The bill also allows employers to apply for waivers to use private plans that meet the same rights and benefits, and it mandates public education campaigns and the establishment of an advisory board. The act is set to take effect 180 days after its passage.