SB2034 - Child Extended Bereavement Leave Act Summary

• Employees of large employers (250+ full-time employees) are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave following the death of a child by suicide or homicide

• Employees of small employers (50-249 full-time employees) are entitled to up to 6 weeks of unpaid leave for the same circumstances

• Leave may be taken continuously or in 4-hour increments and must be completed within one year of notifying the employer; employers may require reasonable advance notice and documentation of death

• Employers cannot take adverse action against employees for exercising rights under this Act, and employees retain their position and benefits upon return from leave

• The Department of Labor administers and enforces the Act with authority to impose civil penalties up to $500 for first violations and $1,000 for subsequent violations; employees may also file civil actions in circuit court