HB 91 Summary

• Establishes a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program in Ohio, administered by the Director of Job and Family Services, providing wage replacement benefits to eligible employees taking leave for serious health conditions, new child care, family member care, or other qualifying reasons under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

• Requires employers to deduct and withhold employee premiums (beginning July 1, 2022) or make contributions to fund the program, with premium rates determined by a sliding scale based on employee yearly earnings and capped at a maximum annual contribution amount.

• Eligible individuals must have worked at least 600 hours in their base period, had employer premiums withheld for at least one year, and notified their employer of intent to take leave; benefits provide up to 12 weeks of wage replacement per 12-month period, with waiting period and calculation based on average weekly wage percentages.

• Prohibits employer retaliation against employees for filing claims or receiving benefits; establishes the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund held by the State Treasurer; requires annual reporting on program participation, demographics, and outreach efforts.

• Amendments to Section 5747.01 allow deduction of family and medical leave insurance benefits from federal adjusted gross income; program implementation begins July 1, 2020, with claims eligibility starting July 1, 2023.