AZ HB2499

Employers must provide up to 12 weeks of paid family leave to employees employed for at least 12 months, for reasons covered under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.

Employees may request family leave orally, in writing, or by electronic means; employers cannot require employees to find replacement workers or take adverse action against employees for requesting leave.

Small employers with 10 or fewer employees may reinstate employees to comparable positions with comparable pay and benefits, while larger employers must reinstate to original positions.

Employers must provide written notice to employees at hire or by July 1, 2023 explaining family leave entitlements, terms, anti-retaliation protections, and complaint procedures in English, Spanish, and other appropriate languages.

Violations subject employers to civil penalties of at least $250 for first offense and at least $1,000 for subsequent violations; employees may recover unpaid leave value, actual damages, up to triple damages, attorney fees, and other relief through civil action within three years.