Idaho Paid Family Leave Laws

Idaho’s approach to Paid Family Leave (PFL) primarily aligns with federal regulations, with specific provisions for state employees.

What is Paid Family Leave?

Paid Family Leave (PFL) allows employees to take compensated time off from work to address significant family or medical needs, such as bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member. PFL aims to support employees in balancing work responsibilities with essential family obligations without financial hardship.

Does Idaho Have Paid Family Leave Laws That Differ from Federal Family Leave Laws?

Idaho does not mandate paid family leave for private-sector employees beyond federal requirements. The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons. However, in January 2020, Governor Brad Little signed an executive order establishing eight weeks of paid parental leave for eligible employees of Idaho’s executive branch agencies following the birth or adoption of a child.

What Counts as a Qualifying Event for Paid Family Leave in Idaho?

Under Idaho’s paid parental leave policy for state employees, qualifying events include:

• The birth of a child.
• The legal adoption of a child under the age of 18.
• The placement of a child for foster care or kinship care.

The FMLA covers similar events and also includes the employee’s own serious health condition and certain military-related exigencies.

Are There Requirements to be Eligible for Paid Family Leave in Idaho?

Eligibility criteria differ between private-sector and state employees:

• Private-Sector Employees: Must meet FMLA eligibility, including employment with a covered employer for at least 12 months and at least 1,250 hours worked in the preceding 12 months.
• State Employees: Must have been employed with the State of Idaho for at least 12 months during the past seven years and have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the date of the qualifying event.

Is There a Minimum Amount of Paid Family Leave Time Required in Idaho?

Idaho law does not require private employers to provide paid family leave. However, eligible state employees are entitled to up to eight weeks (320 hours for full-time employees) of paid parental leave for qualifying events, which must be used within 12 weeks following the event.

Is There a Minimum Amount of Maternity Leave Time Required in Idaho?

For private-sector employees, maternity leave is governed by FMLA provisions, offering up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. Eligible state employees are entitled to up to eight weeks of paid parental leave for the birth of a child, to be used within 12 weeks following the birth.

Is Paternity Leave Required by Law in Idaho?

Under FMLA, eligible employees, regardless of gender, are entitled to unpaid leave for the birth and care of a newborn child. Idaho’s paid parental leave policy for state employees provides up to eight weeks of paid leave for qualifying events, applicable to all eligible parents, including fathers.

Who Pays for Paid Family Leave in Idaho?

For state employees, the paid parental leave is funded by the state. Private-sector employers are not mandated to provide paid family leave; any such benefits are at the employer’s discretion and would be employer-funded.

Conclusion

While Idaho adheres to federal guidelines for private-sector family leave, the state has implemented specific provisions to support state employees, reflecting a commitment to family welfare within the public sector.