HB5409 Summary: Family Leave Insurance Program Act

• Establishes the Family Leave Insurance Program (FLIP) administered by the Department of Employment Security to provide income support to employees unable to work due to serious illness, newborn/adoption care, or family member care needs.

• Employees qualify for benefits by earning at least $1,600 and working 6+ months for their employer during the qualifying year, with maximum benefits of 4 weeks per application year at 67% of weekly wages up to $380/week.

• Requires employers with 10+ employees to deduct $1.50/week from full-time employee earnings (prorated for part-time) and match the amount, depositing both into the FLIP Trust Fund.

• Employers may opt out if they provide equivalent private insurance or employee coverage, and allows employers to require FLIP leave be taken concurrently with federal Family and Medical Leave Act leave.

• Prohibits employer retaliation against employees who file FLIP claims and establishes civil penalties up to $1,000 for willful violations; effective January 1, 2015.