Allegheny County revises paid parental leave proposal

The Allegheny County Board of Health has revised its proposed paid parental leave policy following significant public feedback, including more than 1,400 comments and input from 400 business leaders. The updated proposal reduces the duration of paid leave from 18 weeks to 12 weeks and introduces exemptions for businesses with fewer than 15 employees.

Key changes to the eligibility requirements include increasing the minimum employment period from 30 days to 180 days. Part-time employees must log 625 hours to qualify. The policy will provide 100% of wages up to a maximum of $4,200 per week for employees earning up to $218,400. Additionally, the revised draft now includes coverage for parents experiencing stillbirths.

To ease the transition for employers, the department has increased the compliance window to one year from the previous 180-day draft. The Board of Health will hold a special meeting on September 28 for a final round of public comment before voting. If approved, the proposal will move to the County Council for a final vote.