Employers need to prepare now for Washington, DC’s universal paid leave 

Washington, DC, is moving forward with its paid family, parental and medical leave law by finalizing regulations that set out contribution and reporting requirements for employers. The Universal Paid Leave Amendment Act of 2016 creates a city-run leave program (DC Code § 32-541.01 et seq.) with partial wage replacement funded through an employer payroll tax for district-based workers (DC Code § 32-551.01) 

Covered employers must file a wage report and make their first contribution of the new payroll tax in July 2019 for wages paid between April 1 and June 30, 2019. Eligible employees can start receiving benefits under the program beginning July 1, 2020.

Read the 12-page print-friendly GRIST to learn about key provisions of the paid leave law, including the final contribution regulations, proposed benefit regulations and other guidance. The article also details specific steps employers should take to comply with the law:

• Step 1: Determine If Law Applies
• Step 2: Get Ready for Quarterly Contributions and Filings
• Step 3: Prepare for Notice and Recordkeeping Requirements
• Step 4: Assess How New Law Coordinates With Other Leave
• Step 5: Prepare for Benefits To Begin in 2020
• Step 6: Update Policies and Train Staff on Leave Rights
• Step 7: Monitor Compliance To Avoid Enforcement Action