Now legislation to help new parents and even caregivers is also advancing at the state capitol.

House Bill 179 Expanding access to paid family leave passed the full House yesterday by a vote of 92 to 1.

The measure would make paid family leave insurance available to Kentucky employers.

But the bill stopped short of requiring employers to offer it.

Republican Representative Samara Heaven, who sponsored the bill, explains.

This is a market driven policy proposal that includes no mandates on employers, workers or families.

And as long as I'm working on this policy, there will not be any mandates on small businesses for paid family leave.

Now, let me be clear.

This legislation will not be enough for everyone.

But in my humble opinion, it's more important to pass good policy rather than to completely deprive Kentucky families for the opportunity to have any type of paid family leave.

If employers offer the benefit, the bill would provide temporary wage replacement for workers who need to take off to bond with a newborn or care for a loved one.

Supporters see it as a way to help employers attract an retained workers.

House Bill 179 is now in the possession of the state Senate.