SB 261 Summary

• Establishes a family and medical leave insurance program in Ohio (Chapter 4143) to provide paid leave for employees with serious health conditions, to care for family members, or to bond with new children.

• Creates a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund financed by employer and employee premiums through payroll deductions; requires employers to withhold premiums from employee wages starting July 1, 2019.

• Provides eligible individuals with up to 12 weeks of paid benefits per 12-month period at replacement rates ranging from 66-95% of average weekly wage depending on income level, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,000 (adjusted annually for inflation).

• Exempts family and medical leave insurance benefits from Ohio personal income tax and amends collective bargaining provisions to establish that this program's benefits cannot be diminished by collective bargaining agreements or employer policies.

• Requires the Director of Job and Family Services to conduct an actuarial evaluation by December 31, 2018, to determine premium amounts, fund balance requirements, and administrative costs before program implementation on July 1, 2020.