Creating Paid Leave Oregon

Working to create a program that reflects and benefits all people, families, and employers in Oregon.

 
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Creating Paid Leave together
How are we creating Paid Leave Oregon
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Creating Paid Leave Oregon together

Through open and ongoing partnership with our communities, employers, employees, and advocacy groups, we are committed to delivering the best possible results for all our communities.

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We want to make sure you get the latest information and news as we roll out Paid Leave Oregon. Sign up for our bulletin, messages, important updates, and more. You can also read past bulletins.
 

How are we creating Paid Leave Oregon

In this section

About

How are we creating Paid Leave Oregon

Paid Leave Advisory Committee

Rulemaking Advisory Committee

Paid Leave Oregon begins and ends with people. What we do, and how we do it, is built around the many experiences, abilities, and needs of our communities.

How are we creating Paid Leave Oregon

Paid Leave Oregon provides people who work, own businesses, or run organizations in Oregon easy access to paid leave benefits so they have the support, resources, and peace of mind during life's important moments. We envision a future Oregon where individuals, employers, and families—of every kind—have the time and support they need to care for themselves and their loved ones when life's events impact their health and safety.​

​​As we make decisions, create processes, and set goals, we listen to and ground the program in the many experiences of our Oregon communities, because everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and empowered.

You can also learn more about the history and current status of Paid Leave Oregon through the following resources:

Current Statute​​

Current Rules​​

Legislative Histo​ry:

SB 1515​ (2022)​

HB 3398​ (2021)​​

HB 2005 (2019)

On Jan. 1, 2023, contributions into the program begin. 

On Sept. 3, 2023, employees can begin applying for benefits. 

To learn more about the process so far and future plans, take a look at the timeline​​.​​​​

The scope of establishing Paid Leave Oregon is outlined in ORS chapter 657B. The project is very large and consists of developing an entire division within the Oregon Employment Department to develop and administer Paid Leave Oregon. There are a number of critical work streams that include detailed project management plans outlining various scopes, schedules, and deliverables. The ultimate goal is to deliver benefits to Oregonians who qualify for this crucial program. To do that we need to:

  • Establish the Paid Leave Oregon Division.
  • Develop formal rules, policies, and standards for the program.
  • Develop all necessary technology to receive contributions and deliver benefits.
  • Conduct outreach statewide to employers, employees, underserved and underrepresented communities, health care providers, and other community-based organizations.
  • Secure physical space and hire operational staff prior to each phase going live.

Paid Leave Oregon is the result of intensive collaboration between our Paid Leave Oregon Advisory Committee, technical experts both inside and outside the Oregon Employment Department, and policymakers. The newly formed Paid Leave Oregon Division is responsible for project management, policy and rule development, and collaboration with the Modernization Program as well as other divisions within the Oregon Employment Department and external partners, as we drive to share information with employers and employees across Oregon about how this program will work and as we ensure we have the tools in place to collect their contributions and pay Paid Leave benefits.

As with many statewide programs, there is a lot of planning—from creating policies and rules to training staff and making sure we have the right technology to support the program. For more about the work we’re doing to get ready to launch Paid Leave Oregon, or if you have any questions about the process, read the Release Plan.

Paid Leave Advisory Committee

The Paid Leave Advisory Committee is a group of people that represents communities in Oregon and gives input to Paid Leave Oregon. The committee is made up of 9 people who offer important advice about the program policies, rules, administration, and more. Four members represent employees, 4 represent employers, including small employers with fewer than 25 people, and 1 represents the Oregon Employment Department.
 

Advisory committee meetings are on the first Wednesday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. (dates and times may change). Right now, all meetings are virtual via Zoom and are open to the public. The public is invited for listening only, but if you have any questions, concerns, or statements to share, please email us at paidleave@oregon.gov. Your input matters. Meeting agendas, notes, and materials are posted 5 to 7 days before each meeting.

If you are interested in reading the meeting agenda or notes, they’re available here:

If you are interested in reading the committee meeting reports, they’re available here:

Rulemaking Advisory Committee

The Rulemaking Advisory Committee is a group of people who help develop Paid Leave Oregon rules and policy. They give input on new program rules and changes to rules when they have a financial impact. The Rulemaking Advisory Committee is made up of a cross section of employers and employees from a range of industries. We regularly invite the public to give input and suggestions on creating new program rules or changing existing rules. Learn more about the Rulemaking Advisory Committee meetings.

Get involved

Do you have suggestions and input about Paid Leave Oregon? We want to hear from you. 

Please call us at 1-833-854-0166 (toll free)

Join us at an upcoming event

Join the Paid Leave Oregon team

Are you passionate about paid leave benefits and want to ensure employers, small employers, and employees are treated fairly? Join the Paid Leave Oregon team at the Oregon Employment Department. 

View Paid Leave Oregon job openings.