❌ HB231
Enact the Paid Parental Leave Act
Summary
The Paid Parental Leave Act establishes an income tax credit for employers who provide paid parental leave to qualifying employees, defined as those experiencing the birth, adoption, or stillbirth of a child. Employers must offer a minimum of fifty-six days of parental leave benefits, and the credit is capped at $300 per day for each qualifying employee, with a total annual limit of $54,000 in benefits eligible for the credit. The act applies to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.
Rationale
The bill introduces a government-mandated benefit (paid parental leave) which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in employment and compensation agreements. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for free markets and oppose government-mandated benefits, leading to low alignment scores.
Risks and Concerns
- Increases government control over employment practices
- Encourages dependency on government benefits
- Potential for cronyism in tax credit allocation