1. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, employers that employ fewer than 25 employees and that make the required contributions under ORS 657B.150 may apply to the Employment Department to receive one of the following grants:

   1. (a) If the employer hires a temporary worker to replace an eligible employee who takes family leave, medical leave or safe leave for a period of seven or more days, a grant of up to $3,000 to apply toward the costs of hiring the worker.
   2. (b) A grant of up to $1,000 as reimbursement for significant additional wage-related costs incurred during a period in which an eligible employee takes leave described under paragraph (a) of this subsection.

2. (2) In addition to a grant received under subsection (1)(b) of this section, an employer may receive a grant in the amount of the difference between the grant awarded and $3,000 if:

   1. (a) After the commencement of a period of family leave, medical leave or safe leave taken by an eligible employee, the employee extends the period of leave beyond the employee’s initial expected period of leave; and
   2. (b) The employer hired a temporary worker to replace the eligible employee during the employee’s period of leave.
3. (3) An employer may apply for a grant under subsection (1) of this section not more than 10 times per calendar year and not more than once for each eligible employee who takes leave under ORS 657B.020.
4. (4) To be eligible for a grant under this section, an employer shall provide to the Director of the Employment Department written documentation showing that the employer hired a temporary worker or that the wage-related costs incurred are due to an eligible employee’s use of family leave, medical leave or safe leave.
5. (5) The grants awarded under this section shall be funded with moneys in the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund established under ORS 657B.430.
6. (6) The director shall adopt any rules necessary to implement this section.

[2019 c.700 §42]