Bill
HB 5080
Establishes a framework for 12 weeks of paid leave with job protection, funding, and administration to cover qualifying medical, family, and caregiving purposes.
HB 5080 (Session 2026) — West Virginia
Title: Related to 12 weeks of paid leave
Overview
HB 5080 proposes establishing a framework for 12 weeks of paid leave for eligible employees. The bill outlines eligibility, funding, administration, and protections to ensure access to paid leave for qualifying purposes. The measure would affect employees seeking leave, employers subject to the requirements, and the state’s administration and oversight mechanisms.
Purpose and Intent
- Create a statutory entitlement to 12 weeks of paid leave for covered reasons.
- Provide job protection and predictable income replacement during the leave period.
- Establish a state-administered program or framework to fund and manage paid leave benefits (details in the bill’s provisions about funding and administration).
Key Provisions and Changes
- Eligibility and Covered Reasons: The bill identifies who qualifies for paid leave (likely employees who have met service or employment duration thresholds) and the purposes for which leave may be used (e.g., medical needs, family caregiving, bonding after birth/adoption, or other defined family-related or health-related reasons).
- Benefit Duration and Amount: Confirms a 12-week entitlement. The bill may specify whether the leave is paid at a percentage of wages, a standard rate, or a capped benefit amount, and whether benefits are paid concurrently with other leave types.
- Funding: Establishes funding sources (employer-married costs, employee contributions, state funds, or a combination) and any employer penalties for noncompliance. It may also outline payroll withholding or premium requirements and potential subsidies or payroll credits for employers.
- Employer Obligations: Requires employers to grant paid leave to eligible employees, maintain job protection, and prohibit retaliation or discrimination for taking leave. May include notice requirements and documentation standards.
- Administration and Oversight: Creates or designates an agency or program to administer the paid leave benefit, process claims, handle appeals, and enforce compliance. Outlines performance metrics and reporting requirements.
- Coordination with Other Leave: Addresses how the new paid leave interacts with existing family and medical leave laws, workers’ compensation, short-term disability, or other state/federal leave programs.
- Anti-Discrimination and Privacy: Prohibits misuse of leave data and safeguards employee privacy during leave usage and claims processing.
Who Would Be Affected
- Employees: Eligible workers would gain access to 12 weeks of paid leave with job protections for specified purposes.
- Employers: Businesses would bear administrative responsibilities, potential payroll funding obligations, and compliance requirements. Smaller employers may receive guidance or exemptions if applicable.
- State Agencies: Administrative body would oversee claims, funding, and enforcement.
Procedural and Timeline Aspects
- Status: Filed for introduction on February 3, 2026; referred to House Finance (and subsequently to introduced in House) on the same date.
- Next Steps: If advanced, the bill would move through committee hearings (likely House Finance and other relevant committees), potential amendments, floor votes, and then cross-chamber consideration. Timelines would depend on legislative calendar and committee activity.
- Effective Date: The bill would specify an effective date (e.g., upon enactment or a delayed start), and set phased implementation if applicable.
Notes
- Co-sponsor: Kayla Young.
- The provided text includes administrative markup and corrupted content, but the intended scope centers on a 12-week paid leave framework with funding, eligibility, and enforcement provisions typical of state paid family/medical leave policy.
This summary captures the bill’s central aims and anticipated impact based on the title and available action history. For a precise understanding, consult the official bill text, fiscal notes, and committee analysis once released by the West Virginia Legislature.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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