State Preemption of Local Leave Mandate Bill Clears Senate Committee

From PA Chamber of Business & Industry

Last week, the Senate Local Government Committee advanced legislation that would establish state preemption of laws that require employers to implement specific employee leave policies.

Senate Bill 128, co-sponsored by Senator Gordner, was authored in light of recently enacted laws in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh that require employers to adopt a one-size-fits-all employee leave and paid time off policy. These mandates fail to take into account the size, industry and financial stability that make businesses unique. They especially harm businesses that operate in multiple jurisdictions, as they force employers to take on new administrative complications and costs as they tailor their HR policies to a patchwork of local laws.

Before the committee meeting to consider S.B. 128, the PA Chamber sent a memo urging support for the bill because it would help employers and improve the state’s business climate. The Columbia Montour Chamber supported similar legislation that moved through the House in 2014.   The legislation now awaits consideration by the full Senate.