SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 31

(By Senators Caputo, Woelfel, and Hamilton)

[Introduced February 19, 2024]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study benefits associated with increasing paid parental leave for state employees.

Whereas, The Legislature requests that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study whether West Virginia would benefit from providing increased paid parental leave options for state employees, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study benefits associated with increasing paid parental leave for state employees. This study shall take into consideration the increase in well-being that could result from increasing paid parental leave, whether increasing paid parental leave will help alleviate financial stress caused by a lower annual income for West Virginia state employees when compared to the national average, the potential benefits of having a parent in the home with a child and whether this could potentially effect long-term outcomes for employees and children, and whether West Virginia will be served by taking a more progressive approach to the issue; and be it

Further resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance shall report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations along with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations during the Regular Session of the Legislature in 2025; and be it

Further resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, prepare a report, and draft necessary legislation will be paid from legislative appropriations of the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.