COLUMBUS, Ohio – In a renewed effort to support working families across the state, State Representatives Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Township) and Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) have reintroduced the Paid Parental Leave Act, a bill aimed at encouraging employers to offer paid leave for new parents.
The proposed legislation would establish a nonrefundable tax credit for qualified employers that provide paid parental leave benefits to their employees. Lawmakers say the measure not only supports families during the critical early months of a child’s life but also offers an incentive for businesses to make family-friendly policies a priority.
“The first few months of an infant’s life are extremely crucial to the establishment of these strong familial bonds,” said Rep. Williams. “By making it easier and more cost-effective for businesses to offer these benefits, we can attract families and businesses alike to our great state.”
Rep. Miller echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of helping parents during this formative time. “Parents should not have to miss out on their infant’s first few months of life and the bonds that are formed during that time,” she said. “By offering this commonsense tax credit, we are supporting our businesses and families alike.”
The legislation is a reintroduction of House Bill 682 from the previous General Assembly and is currently awaiting a bill number and House committee assignment.
If passed, the bill would mark a significant step toward expanding family leave benefits in Ohio, a state seeking to remain competitive in attracting both talent and growing families.
