FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Legislation portrayed as a market-driven, voluntary approach to expand access to paid family leave in Kentucky was overwhelmingly passed by the state House on Monday.
The measure, which drew strong bipartisan support, sailed through the House on a 92-1 vote, sending it to the Senate for consideration. Republicans have supermajorities in both chambers.
House Bill 179 would allow voluntary paid family leave insurance to be available to Kentucky employers, who would choose whether to offer it as a benefit to their employees.
The goal is to expand the benefit to more workers who now can’t afford to take time away from work in times of need at home, without forcing anything onto employers.
If employers chose to offer the benefit, it would provide temporary wage replacement for workers who need to be away from work to care for a sick relative, bond with a newborn child or care for a relative in the military or is a first responder and was injured in the line of duty. Other reasons could be outlined in an employer’s benefit plan. Supporters see it as a way to help employers attract and retain workers.