Senate Expected to Pass Coronavirus Response Act Requiring Employer Paid Sick Leave
Updated article from NAHB Now
(Note: The post below was updated on March 17. As of Wednesday, March 18, the Senate is expected to vote on the bill later in the day. This post contains important information on the legislation, including what employers should expect and that the bill, as drafted, sunsets on Dec. 31, 2020.)
The Senate is expected to begin consideration today, Tuesday, March 17, of H.R. 6201, the Family First Coronavirus Response Act, which would guarantee free coronavirus testing, establish paid leave for all employees, enhance unemployment insurance, expand food security initiatives and increase federal Medicaid funding. The House initially passed H.R. 6201 on Saturday by a vote of 363 to 40. On Monday evening, the House made additional technical corrections along with major substantive changes, thereby amending the bill prior to Senate consideration.
The three major components of this bill that will affect businesses of all sizes include: paid family and medical leave; paid sick leave; and new tax credits. Further details about each of these components are listed below.
If this bill is enacted into law, over the coming days and weeks, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and Treasury Department will be releasing additional guidance and regulations to implement these new requirements.