Senators Blessing and Liston Introduce Paid Family Leave Legislation

COLUMBUS—At a press conference today, State Senators Louis W. Blessing, III (R-Colerain Township) and Beth Liston (D-Dublin), announced the introduction of their legislation, Senate Bill 396, which establishes a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program, ensuring that Ohioans can support the health needs of their families without losing their paychecks.
 
“I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support paid leave for Ohio workers,” Blessing said. “SB 396 will help our businesses recruit and retain talent while providing support for those workers who want to grow their own families.”
 
“No one should have to choose between their job and caring for themselves or their family,” Liston said. “This bill opens the door for millions of Ohioans who currently have no access to essential benefits.”
 
The legislation would establish a state-managed paid leave fund supported by a modest payroll contribution of 0.8% split between employees and employers. Employers with fewer than 15 employees would be exempt from the payroll contribution, however, their workers would still be covered.
 
“A statewide paid leave policy will help companies like Donatos, that already provide paid leave for our team members, do it more effectively and efficiently,” said Kevin King, President and CEO of Donatos Pizza. “Paid leave helps our employees care for their loved ones without losing their paychecks, and it helps our business attract and retain talent.”
 
According to research from the National Partnership for Women & Families, approximately 77% of Ohio workers, nearly 4.4 million people, do not have access to paid family leave through their employer, highlighting a significant gap this legislation aims to address.
 
This bill would give both full-time and part-time workers up to 14 weeks of paid time off per year to have or care for a new child, take care of a family member, or deal with personal medical needs.
 
Senate Bill 396 has been assigned to the Senate Financial Institutions, Insurance, and Technology Committee for consideration.
 
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