New Deadlines Announced for Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Law

In 2018, Massachusetts passed a new law that provides workers with paid family and medical leave (the “PFML Law”). With limited exceptions, it applies to most Massachusetts employers, large and small, and includes both W-2 employees and some independent contractors who receive Form 1099MISC.
Earlier this month the Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave (the “Department”) announced changes to two fast-approaching deadlines under the PFML Law. First, the deadline for employers to provide written notice, including email notice, to their employees was extended from May 31, 2019 to June 30, 2019. The Department has posted sample forms of notice on its website.
Also, employers that maintain a private plan with comparable or better benefits for its employees may apply for an exemption from the PFML Law. Private plan exemptions must be approved in the calendar quarter prior to the quarter in which they become effective. The deadline for requesting an exemption for the first quarter of 2019 has now been extended to September 20, 2019. However, it is important to note that this extension of the exemption application deadline only affects contributions required under the PFML Law if the exemption is approved. If the application is not approved, the employer will be required to remit all required contributions retroactive to July 1, 2019. For more information on this issue or other business matters, please contact PLDO Partner William F. Miller or Attorney Joshua J. Butera at 401-824-5100 or email [email protected] and [email protected].

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