On December 29, 2025, the Oregon Employment Department (OED) finalized new Paid Leave Oregon administrative rules that went into effect on January 1, 2026. Here is a summary of the changes:
- The rules limit the amount of leave available for pre-placement leave to 12 weeks in a 12-month period, even if a new benefit year begins during the pre-placement process. This aligns with limitations on parental leave, which also limit leave to 12 weeks in the first year after a child’s birth, regardless of whether a new benefit year begins.
- OED has also clarified the use of the additional two weeks of pregnancy leave available when an individual is carrying more than one child. The two weeks of leave for pregnancy-related reasons may only be taken once per pregnancy, regardless of the number of children carried and if a new benefit year begins.
- Additionally, OED has removed the employee notice requirement for intermittent leave. The Paid Leave Oregon statute does not address intermittent leave notice requirements, so PLO rulemaking does not have the authority to define notice requirements for employees taking intermittent leave. Previously, administrative rules required employees to give employers notice of intermittent absences within 24 hours of each workday or earlier if known. Although the notice requirements have been removed, employers can likely require employees to follow established call-in policies regarding absences.
- The PLO administrative rules on job protection have been repealed as rulemaking authority and enforcement has been assigned to BOLI. At this time, BOLI has not published proposed rules.
- PLO rules also state that employers with equivalent plans must update PLO required posters any time poster requirements change. PLO provides model posters for employers to display in the workplace. The basic model poster is not sufficient for equivalent plans, as employers with equivalent plans must include information specific to that plan. Employers with equivalent plans should ensure that posters are updated when PLO changes poster requirements. Equivalent plan posters may be updated using the Equivalent Plan Model Notice Template, which is customizable.
Cascade will continue to monitor changes to Paid Leave Oregon. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here for you!