HB2625 - Family Leave Insurance Act Summary

• Creates a family leave insurance program administered by the Department of Employment Security providing benefits to eligible employees taking unpaid leave to care for newborns, newly adopted/foster children, or family members with serious health conditions.

• Eligible employees must work for the same employer for 12 months or more and work at least 1,200 base hours in the preceding 12-month period; employees of the State and political subdivisions are excluded.

• Benefits equal 85% of average weekly wage up to a maximum of $881 per week; employees may take up to 12 weeks of family leave within any 24-month period.

• Employers must retain a 0.5% payroll premium deduction from all employees' wages; premiums fund the State Benefits Fund administered by a board of trustees composed of five state officials.

• Prohibits employer discrimination against employees claiming benefits; restores employees to their same or equivalent position upon return from leave; effective January 1, 2022.