In advance of her upcoming State of the State address, Governor Hochul has announced a first-in-the-nation proposal for paid prenatal leave as part of her legislative agenda for the upcoming year. 

The proposed paid prenatal leave program would be effectuated through an expansion of New York’s Paid Family Leave law and would allow pregnant employees to take an additional 40 hours of leave during their pregnancy to attend prenatal medical appointments. 

Notably, Governor Hochul’s proposal would not expand the use of Paid Family Leave for post-childbirth recovery or other health conditions.

Additional details on this proposal are expected in the Governor’s speech next week and in her proposed budget. 

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If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact our Labor & Employment attorneys or the primary EGS attorney with whom you work.