The bill proposes the establishment of a Paid Parental Leave Pilot Program in West Virginia, aimed at providing state employees with paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. It includes provisions for 12 weeks of paid leave within a 12-month period, with benefits amounting to 90% of the employee's average weekly wage, capped at $1,000 per week. The program also mandates that employers maintain group health insurance coverage for employees during their leave and ensures that employees retain their job positions and accrued benefits upon their return. The bill outlines the eligibility criteria for employees and the process for filing claims for benefits.

Additionally, the bill establishes a special revenue account, the Paid Parental Leave Pilot Program Fund, to manage the financial aspects of the program. It requires the Department of Labor to conduct annual surveys of employers and report findings to the Joint Committee on Government Organization, evaluating the program's effectiveness and fiscal impact. The bill includes provisions for emergency rule-making authority and sets a sunset date for the program, which will cease to exist on December 31, 2029.

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