H.B. 1272 - Paid Family Leave

• Establishes a family and medical leave insurance program administered by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, with contributions beginning January 1, 2023 and benefits payable starting January 1, 2024.

• Provides up to 16 weeks of paid family and medical leave annually for covered employees caring for newborns/newly adopted children, family members with serious health conditions, qualifying service members, or qualifying military exigencies.

• Calculates benefits at 90% of wages for employees earning up to half the state average weekly wage, and a tiered formula for higher earners, with first payment within two weeks of claim filing.

• Requires employers to maintain health insurance coverage during leave, restore employees to their original or equivalent position upon return, and prohibits retaliation or counting leave as absence for disciplinary purposes.

• Allows self-employed individuals to elect coverage for minimum 3-year periods, and mandates employers provide written notice to employees about program eligibility, benefits, and rights.