West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
West Virginia SB114: Creating Paid Parental Leave Pilot Program
Status: In committee, February 26, 2026
What the bill says
To amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §21-5J-1, §21-5J-2, §21-5J-3, §21-5J-4, §21-5J-5, §21-5J-6, §21-5J-7, §21-5J-8, §21-5J-9, and §21-5J-10, relating to creating a paid parental leave pilot program; providing findings and purpose; providing definitions; providing for paid parental leave and requirements for claiming benefits; providing for the creation of a fund; setting forth how funds are to be deposited and expended; requiring employer to continue group health insurance coverage for employee; providing for employment benefits and.
From the engrossed text, February 26, 2026:
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §21-5J-1, §21-5J-2, §21-5J-3, §21-5J-4, §21-5J-5, §21-5J-6, §21-5J-7, §21-5J-8, §21-5J-9, and §21-5J-10, relating to creating a paid parental leave pilot program; providing findings and purpose; providing definitions; providing for paid parental leave and requirements for claiming benefits; providing for the creation of a fund; setting forth how funds are to be deposited and expended; requiring employer to continue group health insurance coverage for employee; providing for employment benefits and seniority position upon return from leave; providing benefits not to accrue during period of leave; authorizing the Department of Labor to survey employers; requiring department to report to Joint Committee on Government Organization; authorizing emergency rule-making authority; and providing a sunset date. ARTICLE 5J. PAID PARENTAL LEAVE PILOT PROGRAM. §21-5J-1. Legislative findings; purpose. (a) The Legislature recognizes that the birth or adoption of a child is a significant life event which poses unique challenges for working families. (b) The purpose of the pilot program established by this article is to determine the viability of paid parental leave for state employees as a means of promoting working families' physical and mental health, increasing employee retention, and improving employee productivity and morale following the birth or adoption of a child. §21-5J-2. Definitions. As used in this …