Sep 23 Updates to Proposed Allegheny County Paid Parental Leave Policy

Sep 23h in Bold Voices by

(September 23, 2026)

Recently, the Allegheny County Council made amendments and paved the way for paid parental leave to become a reality in Allegheny County! Proposed in May 2026, the Allegheny County Board of Health’s proposed amendment to the County Health Department’s Rules and Regulations would mandate paid parental leave for all employers in Allegheny County. Based on feedback from the public and business community, on September 16, the Board of Health adjusted their original proposal. The changes include:

  • Up to 12 weeks of paid leave (originally 18)
  • The amendment would apply to all employers with 15 or more employees (originally applied to all employers, regardless of size)
  • Full or part-time employees must work for six months and 625 hours to qualify for leave (originally only required 30 days of work)

There is also new language addressing parents who experience stillbirths, and language that allows for six months of implementation if the amendment is approved. There would also be a six-month grace period beyond that implementation phase for any businesses that need to wait for their next fiscal year. The amendment still maintains that employees would receive 100% of their normal pay during leave and that employers would be responsible for the costs

This revised amendment now needs to be approved by the Board of Health. If it passes that hurdle, it then moves on to the full County Council for approval.

Read our guest blog written by Public Health Director Dr. Iulia Vann about the importance of paid parental leave.

Laura Condon, Allies for Children Project Manager