Board of Health Introduces Revised Paid Parental Leave Policy

Published on September 16, 2026

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Board of Health tonight introduced amended language to the Paid Parental Leave policy first introduced in May of this year. After receiving extensive public comment and community feedback on the initial plan, several key revisions were recommended to adjust the policy while still prioritizing public health for the residents of Allegheny County.

Key changes to the policy include the following modifications:

Length of leave – Up to 12 weeks, taken within the first year of birth or adoption. (Original proposal was 18 weeks).
Employer size – Includes all employers with15 or more eligible full or part-time employees (temporary and seasonal employees are excluded). (Original proposal included employers of all sizes).
Employee Eligibility – Full or part-time employees must work six months and 625 hours to qualify. (Original proposal had a 30-day period before employees became eligible).

Additional updates to the policy included language for parents that experience stillbirths. Also, the new policy language provides a six-month implementation period after the bill becomes law, with an additional six-month grace period for organizations that cannot implement the policy change until their next fiscal year or budget cycle begins.

Doctor Iulia Vann, Director of the Allegheny County Health Department, said: “Overall, Paid Parental Leave is a widely popular expansion of an existing regulation that supports a vulnerable population and advances our public health mission. It's important to remember that today is not a final decision, but an opportunity to share the revised proposal which reflects community input. With today's comments, the Board of Health can now reflect further on the Paid Parental Leave proposal.”

Media inquiries may be directed to Ronnie Das, Public Information Officer for the Health Department, at ronnie.das@alleghenycounty.us or by phone at 412-578-7991.