Bill > S2823

This bill establishes a comprehensive national paid family and medical leave insurance program administered through the Social Security Administration, allowing eligible individuals to receive partial wage replacement when taking leave for specific qualifying reasons such as caring for a seriously ill family member, addressing a personal serious health condition, dealing with family violence, or bonding with a new child. Under the program, individuals who meet specific wage and work history requirements can receive between 50-85% of their monthly earnings (depending on income level), with a monthly benefit range of $580 to $4,000, for up to 12 weeks of leave. The bill creates an Office of Paid Family and Medical Leave within the Social Security Administration to manage benefit applications, prevent fraud, and provide education about the program. The legislation protects workers from employment discrimination related to taking leave, requires employers to restore employees to their previous or equivalent positions after leave, and includes provisions for maintaining health benefits during leave. The program will be funded through a mechanism not explicitly detailed in this text, and it allows states with existing comprehensive paid leave programs to continue those programs with potential federal grant support. Applications for benefits will be accepted starting 18 months after the Act's enactment, with the first full benefits available in 2026, and the program includes provisions for regular review and assessment of its implementation and effectiveness.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2823/all-info