HB5029 - Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program

• Department of Employment Security shall establish and administer a family and medical leave insurance program providing wage replacement benefits (up to 90% for lower earners, tiered structure for higher earners) to eligible employees, self-employed individuals, domestic workers, and independent contractors.

• Eligible individuals can take up to 26 weeks of paid leave annually for serious health conditions, childbirth/pregnancy, child care (birth/adoption/foster care), family member care, military family exigencies, domestic/sexual violence, public health emergencies, or school closures; individuals taking pregnancy-related leave may take an additional 26 weeks.

• Employers and covered business entities must pay 0.73% payroll premium contributions collected starting January 1, 2024; self-employed individuals electing coverage pay 100% of premiums; maximum weekly benefit is $1,000 (adjusted annually to 90% of state average weekly wage).

• Employees receive job protection during and after leave, must maintain health insurance during leave, and are protected from retaliation or discrimination for requesting or taking leave; act becomes effective January 1, 2023, with claims available beginning January 1, 2024 (one year after premium collection begins).

• Department shall conduct outreach in multiple languages, maintain confidential records, issue annual reports with demographic data, and enforce provisions through civil penalties ($250-$500), damages for violations, and liquidated damages equal to actual damages and interest.