Share
  • Download PDF 

Coronavirus Paid Leave Expires (Mostly)

Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) in March, 2020, providing paid employee leave up to 12 weeks for coronavirus-related circumstances. The FFCRA by its terms expired December 31, 2020. Just prior to its expiration, Congress debated an FFCRA extension but ultimately settled only on allowing employer tax credits to extend through March 31, 2021. As such, employers are no longer required to provide paid FFCRA leave. Employers, however, may voluntarily provide paid leave through the first quarter of 2021 and receive an immediate payroll tax credit.

Employers should nevertheless carefully evaluate their leave obligations. State and local laws may contain paid leave provisions. In addition, employers should be mindful of potential obligations to provide unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or as a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Transportation Brief®

A quarterly newsletter of legal news for the clients and friends of Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary

Related Topics

News from Scopelitis is intended as a report to our clients and friends on developments affecting the transportation industry. The published material does not constitute an exhaustive legal study and should not be regarded or relied upon as individual legal advice or opinion.

Coronavirus Paid Leave Expires (Mostly)

Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) in March, 2020, providing paid employee leave up to 12 weeks for coronavirus-related circumstances. The FFCRA by its terms expired December 31, 2020. Just prior to its expiration, Congress debated an FFCRA extension but ultimately settled only on allowing employer tax credits to extend through March 31, 2021. As such, employers are no longer required to provide paid FFCRA leave. Employers, however, may voluntarily provide paid leave through the first quarter of 2021 and receive an immediate payroll tax credit.

Employers should nevertheless carefully evaluate their leave obligations. State and local laws may contain paid leave provisions. In addition, employers should be mindful of potential obligations to provide unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or as a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

News from Scopelitis is intended as a report to our clients and friends on developments affecting the transportation industry. The published material does not constitute an exhaustive legal study and should not be regarded or relied upon as individual legal advice or opinion.