GA HB1173

Establishes bereavement leave entitling employees to 3 paid work days and 10 unpaid work days per calendar year upon the death of an immediate family member, to be used within 60 days of receiving notice of death.

Creates extended compassionate leave of up to 4 unpaid work weeks per calendar year when an immediate family member dies by homicide, suicide, is killed/missing in action while serving in the military, or is reported missing to law enforcement, usable within one year.

Applies to private employers with 25+ employees (for workers employed 30+ hours weekly for 6+ continuous months), public employees, and school personnel, though employers may deny leave if it would unduly disrupt operations.

Defines immediate family member as child, spouse, grandchild, grandparent, sibling, parent, tax dependents, or any such family member's spouse, and permits use of leave for funerals, legal/financial arrangements, and mental health appointments.

Prohibits adverse employment actions against employees using or supporting others using this leave, with civil remedies including reinstatement, lost wages, and attorney's fees available within 180 days of alleged violations.