State Senators Louis W. Blessing, III and Beth Liston announced on Apr. 23 the introduction of Senate Bill 396, which would create a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program for Ohio workers. The proposed legislation aims to ensure that residents can care for their families without risking loss of income.
The measure is significant because, according to research from the National Partnership for Women & Families, about 77% of Ohio workers—nearly 4.4 million people—do not have access to paid family leave through their employers. This bill seeks to address that gap by providing both full-time and part-time employees up to 14 weeks of paid time off per year for family or medical needs.
“I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support paid leave for Ohio workers,” Blessing said. “SB 396 will help our businesses recruit and retain talent while providing support for those workers who want to grow their own families.”
Liston said, “No one should have to choose between their job and caring for themselves or their family. This bill opens the door for millions of Ohioans who currently have no access to essential benefits.” Kevin King, President and CEO of Donatos Pizza, also commented on the legislation: “A statewide paid leave policy will help companies like Donatos, that already provide paid leave for our team members, do it more effectively and efficiently. Paid leave helps our employees care for their loved ones without losing their paychecks, and it helps our business attract and retain talent.”
Under Senate Bill 396, a state-managed fund would be supported by a payroll contribution of 0.8%, split between employees and employers; small businesses with fewer than fifteen employees would be exempt from this contribution but still allow coverage for their workers.
Blessing has served as an engineer at Super Systems in Cincinnati as well as holding positions in the Ohio House of Representatives representing the 29th District before serving as State Senator representing Hamilton County according to his official biography. He earned degrees in mathematics and electrical engineering from the University of Cincinnati according to his official biography.
Senate Bill 396 has been assigned to the Senate Financial Institutions, Insurance, and Technology Committee where it will receive further consideration.
