Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Bill Reintroduced in Congress

On February 4, 2021, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) reintroduced the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act in the House of Representatives and Senate respectively. This bill, if passed, would create a federally funded family and medical leave insurance program administered by Social Security that would provide up to 12 weeks of partial income for workers to care for newborn children or family members with serious illnesses.

A prior version of the FAMILY Act did not get out of committee in either the House or the Senate during the last Congress. Although the bill’s ultimate fate in the current Congress is less than certain, there is a good chance that the bill will see more movement and discussion in the media in 2021-2022. This is in large part due to the fact that President Biden stated on the campaign trail that he supports efforts to guarantee 12 weeks of paid sick and family leave for American workers.

Stevens & Lee will keep track of this legislation.