Del. Senate passes paid family and medical leave legislation

DELAWARE – The First State is now one big step closer to making paid family medical leave the law of the land.

The Delaware State Senate passed Senate Bill 1, also known as the Healthy Delaware Families Act. ‘[This] was a significant milestone in affording Delaware workers this lifesaving benefit,” said bill sponsor State Senator Sarah McBride. “I have heard since the introduction of this bill from people across this state who have been forced to sacrifice income in the face of an illness.”

The bill would pave the way for Delawareans to be able to take paid time off if they or a loved one are experiencing a major medical issue. “Delaware isn’t going to be the first state to pass paid family and medical leave. We have other states that we can look to and learn lessons from,” said Sen. McBride. “From those other states, we’ve seen that paid family and medical leave is a win, win, win. It’s a win for workers, it’s a win for businesses, and it’s a win for our community.”

Sen. McBride says passing this bill would bring Delaware up to speed with other places that have already passed similar measures. She adds it would push Delawareans forward to a healthier future. “Ultimately, it shouldn’t matter where you work or what side of the state line you work on. This is such a necessary, and lifesaving, benefit that the entire rest of the industrialized world already adopted. We certainly need action everywhere. But, what we can do in the General Assembly is deliver to Delawareans,” said Sen. McBride.

The bill is now onto Delaware’s House of Representatives for consideration. If the bill passes, Delaware would have to establish a program to oversee the leave. Sen. McBride says contributions would begin in 2025, and benefits would start in 2026.