LANSING — State Representative Robert Kosowski (D-Westland) introduced legislation to allow employees in Michigan to receive paid time off to care for a newly adopted child. House Bill 4223 would require businesses with 50 employees or more to provide two weeks of paid leave so that parents can care for their new child.

“With roughly 3,000 children ready to be adopted in the Michigan foster care system, we should be doing everything we can to make the adoption process easier,” Kosowski said. “Allowing time off work can help ease the transition for parents and children alike.”

HB 4223 stipulates that an employee will receive his or her normal benefits, while contributing the same portion of the cost, and have the same job upon return, or one with similar seniority, pay and benefits. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Commerce and Trade.