DE SB1

Establishes a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program in Delaware providing up to 12 weeks of parental leave and 6 weeks of combined medical/family caregiving leave per 24-month period to eligible employees.

Requires employers with 10+ employees to contribute to the program starting January 1, 2025, with contribution rates of 0.4% for medical leave, 0.08% for family caregiving leave, and 0.32% for parental leave in 2025-2026.

Provides wage replacement benefits at 80% of average weekly wages (minimum $100/week, maximum $900/week in 2026-2027) to covered individuals who meet 12-month employment and 1,250-hour service requirements.

Applies to employees working in Delaware; employers with 10-24 employees must provide parental leave only, while employers with 25+ employees must provide all leave types; small businesses may opt-in voluntarily.

Allows employers to establish approved private plans as alternatives to the state program and prohibits retaliation against employees exercising leave rights; establishes appeal board for benefit disputes and civil penalties of $1,000-$5,000 for violations.