HB 2858 Summary

• Establishes a paid family and medical leave insurance program administered by the Industrial Commission of Arizona, effective January 1, 2024, providing wage replacement benefits for covered workers.

• Provides up to 26 weeks of leave annually for serious health conditions and up to 24 weeks for childbirth, adoption, foster care placement, family care, military qualifying exigencies, or safe leave due to domestic violence, sexual violence, abuse, or stalking.

• Requires employers and employees to contribute equally to fund the program, with contribution rates set annually by the Commission based on actuarial principles and fund balance requirements.

• Sets weekly benefit amounts at 90% of average weekly wage for lower earners and a tiered calculation for higher earners, with a maximum benefit of $1,000 per week (adjusted annually) and minimum of $100 per week.

• Prohibits employer retaliation for requesting or using benefits, requires job restoration upon return from leave, mandates health insurance continuation, and establishes enforcement mechanisms including civil litigation with damages up to three times actual losses plus attorney fees.