HB 2594 Summary: Family Leave Insurance

• Establishes a family leave insurance program administered by the Department of Economic Security, effective January 1, 2012, providing benefits to covered individuals taking leave for childbirth, adoption, serious health conditions, military family care, or qualifying exigencies.

• Requires employers to submit premiums of two cents per hour worked (up to 40 hours per week) beginning July 1, 2011, with funds deposited into a family leave insurance fund; premium amounts may be adjusted by the director to maintain solvency.

• Provides covered individuals with up to five weeks of benefits per application year after a five-work-day waiting period, with initial weekly benefit of $250 for those working 40+ hours per week, adjusted annually for inflation.

• Requires individuals to have worked at least 680 hours in their qualifying year, provide written notice to employers of intended leave, and prohibits employers from discriminating against or retaliating against employees for filing claims or taking covered leave.

• Establishes employee reinstatement rights following family leave, requiring restoration to the same or equivalent position, subject to limitations for bona fide restructuring, workplace closure, or relocation; program terminates July 1, 2021.