ME LD1273

Repeals Maine's mandatory paid family and medical leave program (established in 2023, with contributions beginning January 1, 2025) and requires the Department of Labor to refund all contributions collected from employers, self-employed individuals, and employees

Creates a new voluntary paid family and medical leave program limited to employers with 50 or more employees, administered through a private insurance company selected via competitive bidding

Provides covered individuals with 60% of average weekly wage for up to 6 weeks per year of combined family and medical leave, with wages capped at the Social Security benefit base limit

Requires the Commissioner of Labor to issue a request for proposals by January 1, 2026, with coverage available for purchase by January 1, 2027

Allows individual employees whose employers do not participate to voluntarily purchase coverage through a purchasing pool, and protects employees from retaliation with guaranteed job restoration after 120 days of employment