Ohio could be next to enact a statewide PFML program, and the numbers behind the push are hard to ignore.
A bipartisan bill introduced in the Ohio Senate would create a state-run paid leave insurance program offering up to 14 weeks of job-protected leave at roughly 85% of pay, capped at just over $1,200 per week. The program would be funded through small payroll contributions from both employees and employers, administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, with a proposed start date of 2028. Currently, about 77% of Ohio workers go without pay when they take time off for qualifying life events.
We, at ConnectBridge, are watching Ohio closely. When states move from no program to a mandatory insurance model, the operational lift for HR teams is significant. Payroll configuration, policy updates, and manager training all need to be in place before benefits go live.
The bill is still in early stages with no committee hearing yet, but now is the right time to assess whether your leave infrastructure is ready for what’s coming.
News 5 Cleveland has the full story here.
