Governor Charlie Baker signed a bill on June 28 making Massachusetts the seventh jurisdiction to enact paid family and medical leave (PFML). The paid leave provisions are part of a so-called Grand Bargain between the state legislature and voters that was designed to keep several voter initiatives off the November ballot.

Here are some key provisions:

Funding. The benefits will be funded at an initial rate of 0.63% of employee’s average weekly wage (to be adjusted annually):

The premium for medical leave (employee’s own serious health condition)will be paid 40% by the employee and 60% by the employer
The employee pays 100% of the premium for family leave
The premium has not (yet) been apportioned between medical leaveand family leave

Premium contributions. Employers and employees must begin making premium contributions July 1, 2019.

Paid leave benefits available. Paid leave benefits for all leave reasons except family member serious health condition begin on January 1, 2021. Paid leave benefits to care for a family member with a serious health condition begin on July 1, 2021.

Leave reasons. Leave reasons mirror those of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (which will run concurrently in most cases): Employee’s serious health condition, family member’s serious health condition, bonding with anew child, family military exigencies, and care for a seriously ill or injured service member.

Benefit amount. Benefits are paid based on a percentage of an employee’s wages, with a cap of $850 weekly.

Leave duration. Leave durations in a 12-month period are up to:

20 weeks for medical leave (an employee’s own serious health condition)
12 weeks of family leave (care of a family member with a serious health condition, bonding, or military exigencies)
26 weeks to care for a seriously ill or injured service member
Aggregate maximum of 26 weeks in a 12-month period for all leave reasons

Voluntary plan. Employers can meet obligations through the state plan or through a private plan(s) for medical and/or family leave that offer benefits at least as beneficial to employees as the state plan

Matrix will administer this leave law for clients: Watch this space for a more detailed summary of the new law in the next day or two.

Existing PFML laws. California, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island already have paid family and medical leave laws in effect. In addition, Washington State’s PFML law will require premium payments starting January 1, 2019, and paid leave benefits starting January 1, 2020. You can check out our prior summaries about Washington State here and here. Washington D.C. is next in the wings with premium payments starting July 1, 2019, and paid leave benefits starting July 1, 2020.

MATRIX CAN HELP! Matrix provides leave, disability, and accommodation management services to employers seeking a comprehensive and compliant solution to these complex employer obligations. We monitor the many leave laws being passed around the country and specialize in understanding how they work together. For leave management and accommodation assistance, contact us at ping@matrixcos.com.