Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB35

Introduced
1/24/23  

Caption

New Parents Act of 2023 This bill allows parents to use a portion of their Social Security benefits for up to three months of paid parental leave after the birth or adoption of a child. To receive the parental leave benefit, parents must choose to either increase their retirement age or temporarily receive a reduction in Social Security benefits upon retirement, as specified.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would allow parents to financially secure time off from work to care for a new child without sacrificing their immediate financial well-being. The program integrates with existing Social Security benefits by allowing parents to either increase their retirement age or receive adjusted monthly benefits upon retirement to repay the benefits received during their parental leave. This interconnectedness could encourage more parents to take advantage of leave policies, potentially improving family dynamics and child development.

Summary

SB35, also known as the New Parents Act of 2023, proposes to amend Title II of the Social Security Act to introduce parental leave benefits for parents following the birth or adoption of a child. The bill aims to provide financial support to eligible parents for up to three months during their leave. To be eligible for these benefits, individuals must have a designated amount of work credits within the Social Security system and must apply for these benefits with respect to a qualified child.

Contention

There are notable considerations concerning budgetary implications and the structure of Social Security itself. Critics might argue that integrating a paid parental leave benefit requires a critical evaluation of how it will be funded without jeopardizing the long-term sustainability of Social Security. Furthermore, the requirement to repay these benefits through adjustments in retirement could deter some eligible parents from utilizing the leave, as they may prefer to maintain a higher benefit when they retire.

Companion Bills

US SB74

Related bill Providing for Life Act of 2023 This bill revises various programs and supports for families and children related to taxes, health, and other benefits. First, the bill increases the child tax credit to a maximum of $3,500 per child ($4,500 per child under the age of six) and makes permanent the increased income threshold over which the credit phases out. The bill further eliminates the federal deduction for certain state and local taxes (SALT deduction) and makes the adoption tax credit refundable. The bill allows parents to use a portion of their Social Security benefits for up to three months of paid parental leave after the birth or adoption of a child. Additionally, the bill requires Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to cooperate with states in establishing child support orders. It also provides additional workforce training for noncustodial parents with child support obligations. States must establish requirements for the biological father of a child to pay, at the mother's request, at least 50% of reasonable out-of-pocket medical expenses associated with the mother's pregnancy and delivery. The bill requires institutions of higher education to provide students with certain information about the resources and services (excluding abortion services) available to pregnant students. Additionally, the bill provides grants for community-based maternal mentoring programs and for pregnancy resource centers that do not provide abortions; requires the Department of Health and Human Services to publish a website with specified pregnancy-related information; and extends from one to two years the postpartum benefit eligibility period under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

US HB4789

Related bill Providing for Life Act of 2023

Similar Bills

US HB4583

Social Security 2100 Act

US SB2280

Social Security 2100 Act

US HB1046

Social Security Expansion Act

US SB393

Social Security Expansion Act

US HB2540

End Child Poverty Act

US HB4260

Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2023

US HB4789

Providing for Life Act of 2023

US HB2681

Small Business Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act of 2023