Rep. Beauchmann urges study of expanded paid family medical leave; lawmakers ask for cost details

Representative Paige Beauchmann presented an amendment to create a study committee to evaluate expansion of the state's paid family medical leave program. "Paid leave needs to be at least 6 months long to see those outcomes," Beauchmann said, citing maternal and infant health research and workforce retention concerns.

Beauchmann described constituent demand and clinical evidence that longer leave improves breastfeeding, maternal mental health and infant attachment. Committee members asked whether the proposal would mandate employer payments; Beauchmann said her amendment would establish a study to identify design options; an earlier fiscal note had projected about $5.5 million in state costs under a different financing model, she said.

Supporters included health professionals and advocates who emphasized long-term health and economic benefits. Opponents or cautious members raised fiscal and small-business impacts; Representative Walsh asked whether six months of paid leave could bankrupt small businesses, and Beauchmann said the amendment contemplates study of options and financing models.

Ending: Committee members accepted the study amendment as a vehicle for further work and asked for analysis of state and employer cost models in follow-up materials.