CT SB00001

Establishes a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program administered by the Labor Department, providing up to 12 workweeks of paid family and medical leave to covered employees during any 12-month period, with 2 additional weeks available for serious health conditions during pregnancy.

Creates a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Trust Fund funded by employee contributions of up to 0.5% of weekly earnings (capped at the Social Security contribution base), with weekly compensation equal to 100% of earnings up to $1,000 maximum, beginning July 1, 2021.

Reduces eligibility requirements from 12 months to 6 months of employment and from 1,000 hours to 500 hours of service, and lowers employer threshold from 75 to 2 employees; expands coverage to include siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren.

Allows self-employed persons and sole proprietors to voluntarily enroll in the program for initial periods of at least 3 years, with option to reenroll for subsequent 1-year periods.

Authorizes $20 million in state bonds for program start-up costs ($10 million each in fiscal years 2019 and 2020), and requires annual reporting to the General Assembly on program participation, trust balance, and demographic information.