Equivalent Plan Declaration Due November 30
Key Paid Leave Oregon deadlines are approaching, beginning with a November 30 deadline for employers to file a declaration to use a private equivalent plan rather than go through the state. Employers participating in the state-provided plan will submit payroll tax contributions beginning January 1.
Paid Leave Oregon refers to the paid family and medical leave insurance (PFMLI) program the Oregon Legislature adopted in 2019. It will take effect in 2023.
The program will provide paid time for family, medical and other reasons. These include the care of a newborn or adopted child, recovery time following serious illness or injury, and leave for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment or stalking. The program provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave per year.
The program will be funded by a tax on wages. The initial rate will be 1%, of which employees will pay 60%. Employers with at least 25 employees will pay the remaining 40%. Smaller employers will not be required to contribute, though they will have to collect and submit employee contributions.
Most employees seeking paid leave will apply to the state, which will administer Paid Leave Oregon. However, employers that don’t want to participate in the state program may provide equivalent plans offered by insurance companies.
For more information about Paid Leave Oregon, visit Oregon Business & Industry’s Paid Leave Oregon resources page, which provides access to recorded webinars, rules, fact sheets and other material.
