House Labor & Industry panel advances paid family and medical leave bill after hours of debate

The House Labor & Industry Committee on an 14-12 vote reported House Bill 200, a bill sponsored by Rep. Dan Miller that would establish a statewide paid family and medical leave program, create a new fund in the state treasury and give the Department of Labor & Industry authority to administer the program.

The bill would require payroll contributions split 50-50 between employers and employees, with total contributions capped at 1% of wages under the version presented to the committee. The measure also would allow a private insurance “buy-in” option, create an advisory board and require the department to promulgate regulations for administration.

Why it matters: Supporters said the program would allow workers to take time for childbirth, serious illness, or caregiving without losing income, and would address workforce and retention problems; opponents warned it would create a large new entitlement program, raise payroll costs, and risk administrative and fraud problems if run through state government.

Rep. Dan Miller…