HI HB2552

Extends family leave by up to 8 additional weeks for employees unable to work due to having a child in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), provided the employee provides kangaroo care or expresses breast milk for the child starting from the date of discharge.

Amends the definition of "because of sex" in Hawaii employment discrimination law to explicitly include neonatal care as a related medical condition.

Requires the Civil Rights Commission to amend administrative rules to include neonatal care as a "related medical condition" wherever pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions are referenced.

Clarifies that employers are not required to provide paid family leave, and employees may substitute accrued paid leave (vacation or personal leave) for any portion of family leave entitlement.

Takes effect July 1, 2024.