More Paid Leave for More Americans Act
Proposals are grouped into broad types, with specific topics within each category
Proposal Overview
Name: More Paid Leave for More Americans Act
Congress: 119th
Year: 2025
Sponsor and Co-Sponsors
Sponsor:
Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK)
Co-Sponsors:
9 Bipartisan cosponsors
Companion Bill
None
Related Bills from Prior Congresses
None
Program Details
Overview: Creates a grant program for states that operate a paid family leave program and participate in the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN) (see H.R. 3090).
Application
States must submit an application that explains: how they will use grant funds; the size of the state’s working population; the share of the workers in the state who can access paid family leave benefit; and the source of those benefits.
When reviewing applications, the Secretary will give priority to states that: plan to use commercially available software to administer benefits; have a low percentage of workers with current access to paid family leave; present a plan to finance the program without relying on federal funding and show how the state paid family leave program will serve low-income populations.
Paid Family Leave Program Requirements
At a minimum, a state family leave program must provide 6 weeks of paid leave to eligible employees following the birth or adoption of a child. Eligible employees will receive weekly payment equal to their average weekly earnings during the leave period.
Use of Funds
States may use grants for: start-up costs to implement the program; benefits for eligible employees; development of the covered partnership; program design; software needed to operate the program; technical assistance, outreach and education about the program; research; and evaluation of existing programs and models.
Grant Amounts
States may receive grants ranging from $1,500,000 and $7,000,000. When determining grant amounts, the Secretary will consider: the size of the state’s working population compared with other states receiving a grant; the state’s birth rate compared to other states; the share of low-income residents in the state, and the state’s demonstrated need as described in the application.
Oversight
States must submit an annual report describing: how they used the grant funds; and how many individuals used paid family leave benefits because of the grant program. The Secretary will submit an annual report on the progress of participating states. The Inspector General of the Department of Labor will audit states that receive grants to ensure they comply with program requirements.
Financing & Implementation
Program Administration
Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor
Revenue Source(s)
Not specified
Program Cost Estimate
Not more than $262,250,000 for fiscal years 2026 through 2028 ($39,787,500 for fiscal year 2026; $79,575,000 for fiscal year 2027; and $145,887,500 for fiscal year 2028).