HB 1855 Summary

• Establishes a paid family leave program for Hawaii state and county employees, providing 12 weeks of paid leave per 12-month period for birth, adoption, foster placement, or caring for a family member with a serious health condition.

• Qualified employees must have completed at least 1,250 hours of service over at least 12 months; leave is paid from agency appropriations and does not accumulate if unused by the end of the 12-month period.

• Employees may take leave intermittently or on a reduced schedule when medically necessary; employers may require medical certification for leave related to serious health conditions.

• Employees returning from leave are entitled to restoration to their original position or an equivalent position with equivalent pay and benefits; health insurance coverage continues during leave if the employee pays required contributions.

• Requires the State and all counties to establish the paid family leave program by January 1, 2025; the program may be expanded up to 16 weeks at employer discretion.