(COLUMBUS) - Ohio lawmakers are moving forward with a proposal that would reward businesses for offering paid parental leave.
House Bill 682 would provide state tax incentives to employers who voluntarily offer paid leave to workers after the birth or adoption of a child. The bill is sponsored by State Representative Josh Williams of Sylvania. Supporters say the plan is aimed especially at small businesses, helping offset the cost of paid leave without creating a state mandate. Employers could receive tax credits for offering a minimum amount of paid time off to both mothers and fathers, with limits on how much can be claimed. The proposal is part of a broader "Family First" agenda that could eventually include other family-focused tax credits.
If the bill becomes law, businesses would be notified about the incentives through chambers of commerce, small business groups, and state tax filings. Lawmakers say the goal is to support families during a child's earliest months without placing new requirements on employers.