PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — A House committee this morning (Wednesday) recommends passage of a Noem Administration-backed proposal that would change how the state pays state employees for family leave.
It would also set up a means for other governments and private businesses to participate in the paid family leave program.
On an 11 to 0 vote, the House State Affairs Committee recommended passage of HB 1151 but is sending the proposal to the Joint Appropriations Committee for further consideration.
HB 1151 would pay 80% of state employees’ family leave for births, adoptions, and medical emergencies via an insurance policy the state would purchase.
The other 20% of the employees’ leave would be paid from the state agency’s budget.
The state will pay for 12 weeks of leave.
The governor’s office says the plan would save the state money and be available for other entities to join the pool.
They say this gives South Dakota businesses another tool to keep and recruit workers, particularly younger workers with families.
Other governments and businesses that participate can join and tailor the leave length and amount paid as they see fit.
Several business, insurance, and state employee groups spoke in favor of Gov. Kristi Noem’s proposal.
The bill had no opponents.
