Lawmakers and advocates are aiming to pass a revised bill for a statewide program that provides paid family and medical leave for workers. This attempt comes after a similar proposal (Senate Bill 11) failed amid concerns that extensive paid leave would disrupt business operations. The revised bill comes with changes, including a provision for the Department of Workforce Solutions to assess the plan’s fiscal feasibility by 2025. The bill permits workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave for several reasons, such as childbirth, bereavement, medical care, or situations involving domestic abuse. The fund for this will be started with a $36 million allocation, with employers and employees contributing quarterly through payroll deductions. If the bill becomes a law, payment into the fund will begin January 1, 2026, with workers benefitting from it in 2027. However, some business owners continue to oppose the measure due to recruitment challenges and financial strains linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. Advocates of the bill hope that the changes made will address the business community’s concerns and lead to the bill’s successful passage.