Creates a temporary commission to conduct a comprehensive study on the current utilization of paid family leave, make recommendations on how to increase access and the visibility of the program.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A10224A
SPONSOR: Rules (Nolan) TITLE OF BILL:
An act in relation to creating a temporary commission to conduct a
comprehensive study on the current utilization of paid family leave,
make recommendations on how to increase access and the visibility of the
program; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration
thereof
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To direct a temporary state commission to conduct a study and produce a
report on the utilization of Paid Family Leave.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 creates a temporary state commission and directs the commis-
sion to conduct a study and produce a report on the current utilization
of the Paid Family Leave Program.
Section 2 states that the commission shall consist of nine members and
outlines the appointments of members. Provides that the chair of the
workers' compensation board shall be the chair of the commission.
Provides that the members of the commission shall receive no compen-
sation for their services but shall be allowed their actual and neces-
sary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
Section 3 provides the factors that the study shall examine, regarding
current utilization of Paid Family Leave.
Section 4 provides that the report, including recommendations, shall be
submitted to the governor, temporary president of the senate, and the
speaker of the assembly no later than one year after the effective date.
Section 5 sets the effective date.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):
Technical changes including renumbering and additional sections.
Provides for the creation of a temporary state commission to conduct the
study and produce the report; the DOL had been directed to conduct the
study and report in the original version. The A-print includes details
on the number of members, the appointment of members, and the chair of
the commission. Includes that the members of the commission shall
receive no compensation for their services but shall be allowed their
actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their
duties.
JUSTIFICATION:
In 2016, New York enacted the nation's strongest and most comprehensive
Paid Family Leave policy so working families would not have to choose
between caring for their loved ones and risking their economic security.
Since then the program has been expanded so as to also include paid time
off to: bond with a newly born, adopted or fostered child, care for a
family member with a serious health condition, or a loved ones when a
spouse, domestic partner, child or parent is deployed abroad on active
military service. In order to ensure that all eligible New Yorkers are
able to use the strong and necessary protections in Paid Family Leave to
be present with their families at crucial times, it is necessary for the
Commissioner of Labor to study how different groups are using Paid Fami-
ly Leave, and make recommendations on how to remove any unintended
barriers to its use.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
