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Subcommittee narrows paid family leave eligibility to employees who earn leave, approves amendment
Summary
The Senate Finance subcommittee approved an amendment to S.11 to change the definition of eligible state employees for the state's paid family leave program so that time‑limited full‑time workers who accrue leave qualify; the bill, as amended, received a favorable report to the full committee.
The Senate Finance Committee sales and income tax subcommittee voted to adopt an amendment and gave a favorable report to S.11, a bill that changes who qualifies as an eligible state employee under the state's paid family leave law.
The bill, introduced by Sen. Jackson and Sen. Davis, would revise the statute's definition of eligible state employee to include “any person employed full time by this state, its departments, agencies, or institutions, including any person employed full time by a four‑year or postgraduate institution of higher education, under the control of the state or a technical college supported under the control of the state.” The subcommittee adopted amendment language that narrows the amendment to persons who occupy “a position eligible to earn annual leave.”
The change is intended to include time‑limited employees who work full time and accrue leave and other benefits but who are excluded under the current full‑time‑equivalent (FTE) phrasing. Committee staff noted the underlying statute defines full time as 37.5 hours per week for some state employees. The amended bill sets an effective date of Oct. 1, 2025, to allow state human resources systems time to implement the change; initial language had the act taking effect upon gubernatorial approval.
Committee staff explained the amendment “rifleshots” the language to ensure the bill covers employees who actually accrue annual leave and benefits while preserving the sponsor’s intent to include time‑limited full‑time workers. Ashley Leto testified in support, saying the amendment restores the original legislative intent and will improve maternal, infant and workforce outcomes for state employees. Chase Bailey, speaking in a personal capacity, described family caregiving needs after a C‑section and urged the subcommittee to expand eligibility. Connelly Ann Ragley of the Department of Social Services told the panel that 31 of the department’s roughly 4,600 employees did not qualify under the current definition and said inclusion would help recruitment and retention.
The subcommittee recorded a voice vote on the amendment and on the bill’s favorable report as amended; those motions passed and the bill was forwarded to the full committee.
