NY Paid Family Leave Expanded to Include Siblings

On November 1, 2021, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill expanding New York State's Paid Family Leave program (“NY PFL”).  As many employers are aware, NY PFL went into effect in 2018 and currently entitles employees in New York State to up to twelve weeks of partially paid leave to bond with their child, care for a family member with a serious health condition, and for certain reasons related to military exigency.  Under this new amendment, siblings are now included under the definition of “family member” for the purposes of NY PFL caregiving leave. Sibling means a biological or adopted sibling, a half-sibling or step-sibling. There were no other substantive changes to the NY PFL benefit or structure under this bill. This change will go into effect on January 1, 2023.

Employers should revise their current written policies concerning NY PFL and include siblings in the definition of family members, effective January 1, 2023. Individuals with questions should feel free to contact Caroline Secola at csecola@fglawllc.com or any other attorney at the Firm.

DISCLAIMER: This alert is provided to clients and friends of the firm for informational purposes only and the distribution of this alert is not intended to, and does not, establish an attorney-client relationship. This alert also does not provide or offer legal advice or opinions on any specific factual situations or matters. This communication may be considered Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.