SB 1326 Summary

• Establishes a state family and medical leave entitlement of 12 workweeks per 12-month period for employees at employers with 50+ employees to care for newborns, newly placed children, family members with serious health conditions, or for the employee's own serious health condition.

• Applies to employees who have worked for their employer for at least 12 months and 1,250 hours in the previous 12 months; excludes employees at worksites with fewer than 50 employees within 75 miles.

• Permits intermittent or reduced-schedule leave when medically necessary; allows employers to require health care provider certification for serious health conditions and second/third medical opinions if needed.

• Requires employers to restore employees to their original position or equivalent position with equivalent pay and benefits upon return from leave; limits aggregate leave for spouses employed by the same employer to 12 workweeks for birth, placement, or parent's serious health condition.

• Prohibits employer interference with leave rights and retaliation for asserting rights; establishes civil penalties of at least $1,000 per violation and allows employees to recover damages, interest, liquidated damages, and attorney fees for violations.