Colorado, Oregon, New Hampshire, and Vermont are introducing Paid Family Leave (PFL) programs and New York will update its program effective January 2023. Sparrow’s Legal and Compliance team summarizes some notable changes to consider if you have employees in these states.
New Paid Family Leave Programs
Colorado and Oregon are introducing paid family leave (PFL) programs in 2023.
- By January 1, 2023, Colorado employers must register with the state’s paid family leave agency, and effective that same date, begin withholding premium payments and prepare to submit quarterly wage reports through the state agency’s portal. Eligible employees will become entitled to paid family leave benefits on January 1, 2024. These benefits include up to 12 weeks of paid leave for qualifying reasons, and an extra four weeks for pregnancy or childbirth-related reasons, on a 12-month period rolling backwards, beginning on the first day in which an employee begins taking benefits. Learn more about Colorado’s FAMLI program.
- Also on January 1, 2023, employers with 1 or more employees in Oregon must begin collecting and remitting premiums for the Oregon paid family leave program. Employees can begin applying for benefits on September 3, 2023. Benefits include up to 12 weeks of paid leave for family, medical, or safe leave. Eligible employees who experience pregnancy or childbirth complications can receive an additional two weeks of paid leave, for a total of 14 weeks of leave. Learn more about the Oregon Paid Leave Program.
Voluntary Paid Family Leave Programs
New Hampshire and Vermont are introducing voluntary paid family leave programs.
- Effective January 1, 2023, all employers in New Hampshire will be able to participate in the state’s paid family and medical leave plan. Participation is voluntary, and may be done on an employer or individual basis. This program developed after New Hampshire and Vermont explored a possible “Twin State” plan that ultimately did not move forward.
- On December 6, 2022, Vermont’s Governor Phil Scott also announced a voluntary paid family and medical leave program, which will be made available to state employees beginning in July 2023, with subsequent phased rollouts to private employers and individuals in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
New York’s expanded definition of “family”
New York has amended its paid family leave program to add “siblings” to the definition of family member for purposes of paid family leave. This amendment will take effect on January 1, 2023.
With the ever-evolving landscape of employee leave, Sparrow’s here to keep you informed and help businesses like yours care for their employees.
Learn how our end-to-end leave management service does the heavy lifting for People teams while creating a stress-free employee experience.