The Allegheny County Council has approved a countywide mandate, by an 11–4 margin, requiring most employers to provide 12 weeks of paid parental leave, making it the first county in Pennsylvania and the first in the US to require such leave. The action gained momentum over the last year to fill the policy gap left by federal inaction on paid leave, setting a precedent for other jurisdictions.
RCPA submitted comments on behalf of their provider and stakeholder members in the region during the earlier public comment period, and pointed out in the recommendations that the policy, if enacted, would impact all home and community-based services (HCBS) providers, especially smaller businesses. With the funding pathway the responsibility of the employers, they must provide the paid leave, as no public fund has been created. This will represent yet another significant unfunded mandate for our provider members and community businesses.
The implementation timeline is contingent upon when County Executive Sara Innamorato signs the bill. It is expected to go into effect one year after signing with a six-month grace period, plus an additional six months for businesses unable to comply until their next fiscal year/budget cycle. Employers will need to adjust policies, benefits, and possibly staffing to comply.
The Key Provisions of the Policy Include:
- Length of leave: 12 weeks (reduced from the original 18-week proposal);
- Eligible employers: Those with 15 or more full-time or part-time employees (excluding temporary/seasonal workers);
- Qualifying individuals: Full-time; after six months of employment / Part-time; after 625 hours worked; and
- Qualifying events: Birth, adoption, or legal permanent placement of a child within the first 12 months of life; includes provisions for stillbirths.
If you have additional questions, please contact your respective RCPA Policy Director.
