On June 25, the Governor of Connecticut signed legislation establishing a paid family and medical leave (PFML) program [S.B. 1, L. 2019]. Beginning January 1, 2021, employers will be required to withhold and remit employee contributions to the state. Beginning January 1, 2022, covered employees can receive up to 12 weeks of leave during a 12-month period.
Contribution Rates
The Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Authority Board – a newly established board to oversee the program – will announce contribution rates, which cannot exceed 0.5% of an employee’s wages up to the federal social security wage base. The Board will have the discretion to reduce benefit amounts and delay certain types of leave based on the health of the trust fund.
Benefits
Covered employees will be able to receive PFLM for reasons allowed under the state's Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the family violence leave law. An additional two weeks of benefits will be available for a serious health condition resulting in incapacitation that occurs during a pregnancy. The new law expands the definition of a family member in the state FMLA to include grandparents, grandchildren, and individuals related to the employee by blood or affinity whose close association is akin to a family relationship.
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