HF1200 Summary

• Creates a paid family and medical leave insurance program administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development, allowing employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave for family care, bonding with a child, serious health conditions, pregnancy, qualifying military exigencies, or safety leave.

• Establishes employer premiums at 0.6% of taxable wages starting January 1, 2025, with employees able to be charged up to 50% of annual premiums; allows employers to establish approved private plans as alternatives to the state program.

• Provides weekly benefits calculated as a percentage of average wages (up to 90%, 66%, or 55% depending on wage level), with maximum benefits equal to the state's average weekly wage; benefits paid from a dedicated state insurance account starting January 1, 2024.

• Protects employee rights including reinstatement to the same or equivalent position with equivalent pay and benefits upon return from leave, continuation of health insurance during leave, and prohibition on retaliation or interference with benefit claims.

• Appropriates $1.7 billion from the general fund for fiscal year 2023 to establish the program and cover benefit payments and administration for 2024-2025, with ongoing funding from employer premiums thereafter.