Impact
WARD: Citywide
COMMITTEE: Human Resources
$ IMPACT:
Title
Consideration and approval to extend benefits to all benefit-eligible employees entering into a legally recognized marriage.
Body
ISSUE: Consideration to extend benefits to all benefit-eligible employees who enter into a legally recognized marriage (whether traditional or same-sex)
BACKGROUND: With the growing legalization and recognition of marriage between same-sex couples, the city has begun discussion whether it should recognize and treat legally married same-sex partners the same as heterosexual couples for the purpose of application of city policies and benefits.
Such issue could be addressed by adopting a policy addressing Benefit Eligibility.
RECOMMENDATION/REQUESTED ACTION: If council chooses to extend benefits to all benefit-eligble employees in a legally recognized marriage (traditional or same sex), staff recommends adopting the Benefit Eligibility policy.