This bill proposes the establishment of a paid parental leave pilot program in West Virginia, aimed at supporting state employees during significant life events such as the birth or adoption of a child. The program allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave within a 12-month period, with benefits including 90% of their average weekly wage, capped at $1,000 per week. The bill outlines the requirements for claiming benefits, including necessary documentation, and mandates that employers maintain group health insurance coverage for employees on leave. Additionally, it specifies that employment benefits and seniority must be preserved during the leave period.

The legislation also includes provisions for annual surveys of employers regarding the program's implementation and requires the Department of Labor to report findings to the Joint Committee on Government Organization. The bill grants emergency rulemaking authority to the department and establishes a sunset provision, indicating that the program will expire on December 31, 2028. Overall, the bill aims to assess the viability of paid parental leave as a means to enhance the well-being of working families and improve employee retention and productivity.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 21-5J-1, 21-5J-2, 21-5J-3, 21-5J-4, 21-5J-5, 21-5J-6, 21-5J-7, 21-5J-8, 21-5J-9, 21-5J-10