The proposed bill aims to establish a Paid Parental Leave Pilot Program in West Virginia, which will provide eligible state employees with up to 12 weeks of paid leave during a 12-month period for the birth or adoption of a child. The program is designed to support working families by promoting their physical and mental health, enhancing employee retention, and improving productivity and morale. Employees can claim benefits by submitting documentation to their employer, and the program will be funded through a special revenue account created in the State Treasury. The bill outlines the requirements for employers to maintain group health insurance coverage for employees on leave and ensures that employees retain their position and accrued benefits upon their return.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Labor to conduct annual surveys of employers and report findings to the Joint Committee on Government Organization, evaluating the program's utilization and effectiveness. The department is also granted emergency rule-making authority to implement the program. The pilot program is set to expire on December 31, 2029, at which point its impact will be assessed to determine its future.

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
Committee Substitute: 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