In response to a Request for Information (RFI) from the Bicameral Paid Leave Working Group, HR Policy Association submitted comments based on member input to inform the working group as they draft federal paid leave legislation.
Why it matters: Thirteen states and the District of Columbia have enacted mandatory paid family and medical leave programs, requiring companies to navigate complex compliance requirements in each state they operate. Federal legislation could establish a national standard.
Support for a national standard: Amidst growing consensus to increase access to paid leave for all American workers, a federal paid leave program that alleviates the compliance issues presented by the growing state patchwork becomes increasingly important.
Outlook: Members of the Paid Leave Working Group will use stakeholder input to draft legislative text this year. Despite optimism from lawmakers and stakeholders, reaching an agreement on legislation that can garner approval in both a Democratic-led Senate and a Republican-led House poses a significant challenge. Some Republicans oppose a federal program, while certain progressives may find a compromise bill falls short of expectations.
