Creating Paid Parental Leave Pilot Program

SB 637 creates a paid parental leave pilot program for West Virginia state employees. It provides eligible full-time state workers 12 weeks of paid leave (at 90% of average weekly wage, up to $1,000 weekly) during the first year after a child's birth or adoption between July 2025 and July 2027. The program requires employers to maintain health insurance during leave and combines with existing unpaid leave for a maximum 18-week total per 12-month period. It excludes part-time employees, elected officials, and county/municipal workers, and includes a December 31, 2028, sunset date.