New York becomes the first state to require paid prenatal leave for pregnant employees.
Beginning January 1, 2025, employers in New York will be required to provide up to 20 hours of paid prenatal personal leave to employees on an annual basis. Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation as part of New York State’s fiscal year 2025 budget that expands employees’ right to take paid leave for care during their pregnancy, including for medical tests, physical exams, and appointments with healthcare providers. This paid leave will be separate from sick leave and paid family leave under state law and can be taken in hourly increments.