Two States to Watch: Could Pennsylvania or Ohio Be the Next PFML State?

Contributor: Sarah Hipp, Centro Absence Management Consultant

In Spring 2026, both Pennsylvania and Ohio introduced legislation to create a statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave program, drawing attention from HR leaders, employees, and labor advocates alike. Neither bill is law yet, but both represent the most significant legislative momentum these states have seen on paid leave. Here is what you need to know.

Pennsylvania: HB 200 – The Family Care Act

What the Bill Does

The Family Care Act would create Pennsylvania’s PFML program, offering up to 12 weeks of leave in a benefit year for qualifying events such as bonding with a new child, caring for an ill family member, attending to one’s own serious health condition, or seeking safe leave related to acts of violence.

Legislative Status

HB 200 is sponsored by Representative Jennifer O’Mara and carries bipartisan co-sponsors, showing appeal across party lines.  The bill also has broad public backing — recent polling shows 81% of Pennsylvania voters support paid family and medical leave, cutting across party lines.

The bill passed the Pennsylvania House on March 25, 2026, and it is now with the Senate.  Whether the bill clears the Senate remains to be seen, but the bottom line is Pennsylvania is a state to watch on the PFML front.

Ohio: SB 396 – Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act

What the Bill Does

Ohio’s Paid Family and Medical Leave bill would establish paid benefits for up to 14 weeks in a benefit year for any one leave reason, or a combined maximum of 18 weeks if multiple leave events apply. Covered reasons include bonding, family care, an employee’s own serious health condition, and qualifying military exigencies.

Legislative Status

SB 396 is a bipartisan sponsored bill, signifying Democrats and Republicans joining forces to champion the paid leave movement in the state. However, there is still a long way to go. Unlike Pennsylvania’s bill which has already passed one chamber, Ohio’s SB 396 is in the Senate Committee with the first hearing on June 2, 2026.

Much more will unfold as the bill moves through the legislative process, and with the bipartisan support it’s worth keeping an eye on how PFML plays out in Ohio.

Next Steps for Brokers

Neither state requires immediate action from employers today. However, the brokers who stay in the know on the PFML legislation front will be most valuable to their clients if these bills pass. Here’s how you can prepare:

Identify your exposure

Pull a list of clients with Pennsylvania and Ohio employees. Any employer with workers in those states will be in scope if either bill passes. Know who they are before the legislation advances, as some may start asking questions.

Monitor legislative calendars

Pennsylvania’s Senate runs through the end of November 2026. Ohio’s legislature runs through year-end. Either bill could move quickly and both states have the option for bill tracking on the general assembly websites.

Track key impacts

Should either state pass a PFML program, features such as private plan allowance, contribution splits, implementation timelines, and employer size thresholds play a key role. Be prepared to help clients navigate through these aspects – in both program compliance and coordination of other employer-provided benefits.

Centro’s Absence Consulting Team works with brokers to navigate state PFML programs, coordinate leave administration, and build leave strategies that work — for employers and the employees who depend on them.