Paid Time Off is a benefit that most employees across the country enjoy. The reasons for time off can vary from one business to another, with different allotments for different circumstances.
A new bill is being proposed in California allowing paid time off for parents to attend school functions or activities with their children.
This bill would allow for parents who worry about missing wages to attend these functions, gaining them some reprieve if the legislation, introduced by Los Angeles Assemblyman, Mike Gatto, moves forward.
According to a Today.com article, California workers would get three paid days off each year for school activities.
In a press release, Assemblyman Gatto stated, “being involved your child’s education shouldn’t be limited by your family’s income, and it shouldn’t come down to a choice between meeting with a teacher or volunteering in the classroom, versus paying the bills. You shouldn’t have to be a cast member of the ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ to be involved in your child’s education.”
Currently, the State of California offers up to 40 hours of unpaid, job-protected time off from school activities for parents, grandparents, and guardians under the “Family-School and Partnership Act.” The current legislation applies to employees who are employed by a company with more than 25 employees.
The Family School and Partnership Act’s original intent are outlined in an article by the Society of Human Resource & Management (SHRM).
“Enacted in 1998 to encourage parents’ involvement in their children’s education, the law’s drafters noted that “parent involvement improves pupil achievement” and that “parents represent the single most important citizen group in terms of school support.” Further, the legislation noted that over 60 percent of women of childbearing age in the United States are in the workforce.”
As with the original legislation, this proposal looks to encourage more parent involvement with children in their schools.
“We must stop passively bemoaning the state of our schools, and do something to engage families in the educational process and the school community,” Assemblyman Gatto stated. “AB 2405 will allow parents to play an active role in their children’s success, without worrying about putting food on the table.”
If this passes, Employers will need track a different set of Paid Time Off hours granted to employees. Only certain employees will be eligible for the additional hours. Employers will also need to spend time educating their employees, human resource, and payroll departments.
Greenshades offers an online employee portal that gives employees the ability to request time off from the portal or their mobile app. This functionality can be tailored to a business’ individual needs, including different paid time off allotments for different categories.
Click the link for more information or to request a Free demo.