Effective January 1, 2025, the New York State Paid Prenatal Leave Law (NYS Labor Law Section 196-b) mandates the College to provide its employees with 20 hours of Paid Prenatal Leave each year. All employees are entitled to Paid Prenatal Leave, without regard to full-time/part-time or overtime exempt/non-exempt status.
Prenatal Leave Qualifying Uses : Paid prenatal leave may be used for health care services received by an employee during their pregnancy or related to such pregnancy, including physical examinations, medical procedures, monitoring and testing, fertility treatments or care appointments (including in vitro fertilization), end-of-pregnancy care appointments, and discussions with a health care provider related to the pregnancy.
Prenatal Leave Prohibited Uses: Paid Prenatal Leave may not be used by an employee other than the employee directly receiving prenatal health care services (e.g., spouses, partners, or other family members of the pregnant person), or for post-natal, or postpartum appointments.
Leave Use and Duration: Employees can take up to 20 hours of paid prenatal leave during any 52-week period. Leave can be used in hourly increments. There is no limit on the number of times an eligible employee can use paid prenatal leave during their employment with the College.
Leave Eligibility : Employees are entitled to the full amount of paid prenatal leave upon their hire. Employees may begin using Paid Prenatal Leave at any time and do not need to have worked for the College for a minimum amount of time before accessing the benefit. Paid Prenatal Leave does not accrue and is available to employees immediately upon a covered need for same.
Leave Pay: Prenatal leave must be paid at 100% of the employee’s regular rate of pay. The College is not required to pay out any unused paid prenatal leave upon separation from employment.