CT SB00881

Establishes a paid family and medical leave insurance program administered by the Labor Department, offering up to 12 workweeks of paid leave during any 12-month period, plus 2 additional weeks for serious health conditions during pregnancy, beginning January 1, 2022.

Creates a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Trust Fund financed by employee contributions of 0.5% of weekly earnings (capped at the Social Security wage base), with the contribution rate adjustable annually based on fund balance to maintain a reserve of at least 140% of previous year's expenditures.

Provides weekly compensation equal to 90% of base weekly earnings up to 40 times minimum wage, and 67% above that amount, with a maximum of 60 times minimum wage; workers cannot collect benefits concurrently with workers' compensation or other wage replacement programs.

Covers workers who earned at least $2,325 in their highest earning quarter within the base period, self-employed individuals, and collective bargaining unit members; allows employers to offer private plans meeting equivalent standards with majority employee approval.

Expands Connecticut's family and medical leave law to include siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren as covered family members; reduces the general leave entitlement from 16 to 12 workweeks but allows the paid program to supplement employer-provided leave.